;i 


■ ' ' ■ . i ■ 






Ji I^^JwJmSI 


. 


; --^ i 


; . 


3*^! 




• .;.: 


. ! 


Ak^SH M^ v-^^H Hptw^H 


: 


e L ^ 








1 ''f ~\ 


.' 


BkJH r^h ^M^fl Mm 






HP'^.^^^Hf |k^H 






Class _££ll^_ 
Book Q& 



Copyright N . 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



v 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 
LETTERS TO YOUNG MEN 



Practical Wisdom 



Letters to Young Men 



by 

SIR WALTER RALEIGH 

FR.ANCIS OSBOR.N 

LORD BUkLEIGH 

SIR MATTHEW HALE 

WILLIAM, EARL OF BEDFORD 





NEW YOR.K 

A. WESSELS COMPANY 

MCMII 




Copyright, 1902 

by 

A. WESSELS 

COMPANY 



'^■ : 



\\o 



1\ 



<<?*> 



Ttme usharv of 

COHGRE9S, 
Two Cupm* R 

NOV 



CLAM «t-VXo Mo 

oorv b. 



p cr 









CONTENTS 

PAGK 

Sir Walter Raleigh's Instructions to 

His Son (circa 1632) . . . 9 

Francis Osborn's Advice to a Son 

(1656) 43 

Lord Burleigh's Advices to His Son 

(1617) "7 

Sir Matthew Hale's Advice to His 

Grand-Children (circa 1680) . 131 

William, Earl of Bedford's Advice to 

His Sons (circa 1642) . . . 171 



SIR WALTER RALEIGH'S 
INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS SON 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 



SIR WALTER RALEIGH'S 
INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS SON 

VIRTUOUS Persons to be made 
choice of for Friends. — There 
is nothing more becoming any wise man, 
than to make choice of friends, for by 
them thou shalt be judged what thou art : 
let them therefore be wise and virtuous, 
and none of those that follow thee for gain ; 
but make election rather of thy betters, 
than thy inferiors, shunning always such 
as are poor and needy : for if thou givest 
twenty gifts, and refuse to do the like but 
once, all that thou hast done will be lost, 
and such men will become thy mortal 
enemies. Take also special care, that 
thou never trust any friend or servant, 
with any matter that may endanger thine 

~~ ~~ [9] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

estate ; for so shalt thou make thyself a 
bond-slave to him that thou trustest, and 
leave thyself always to his mercy : and be 
sure of this, thou shalt never find a friend 
in thy young years, whose conditions and 
qualities will please thee after thou comest 
to more discretion and judgment, and then 
all thou givest is lost, and all wherein thou 
shalt trust such a one, will be discovered. 
Such therefore as are thy inferiors, will 
follow thee but to eat thee out, and when 
thou leavest to feed them, they will hate 
thee ; and such kind of men, if thou pre- 
serve thy estate, will always be had. And 
if thy friends be of better quality than thy- 
self, thou mayest be sure of two things : 
the first, that they will be more careful to 
keep thy counsel, because they have more 
to lose than thou hast : the second, they 
will esteem thee for thyself, and not for 
that which thou dost possess. But if thou 

[10] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

be subject to any great vanity or ill (from 
which I hope God will bless thee), then 
therein trust no man ; for every man's 
folly ought to be his greatest secret. And 
although I persuade thee to associate thy- 
self with thy betters, or at least with thy 
peers, yet remember always that thou ven- 
ture not thy estate with any of those great 
ones that shall attempt unlawful things ; 
for such men labour for themselves, and 
not for thee ; thou shalt be sure to part 
with them in the danger, but not in the 
honour; and to venture a sure estate in 
present, in hope of a better in future, is 
mere madness : and great men forget such 
as have done them service, when they have 
obtained what they would, and will rather 
hate thee for saying thou hast been a 
means for their advancement, than ac- 
knowledge it. 

I could give thee a thousand examples, 

[»] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

and I myself know it, and have tasted it 
in all the course of my life ; when thou 
shalt read and observe the stories of all 
nations, thou shalt find innumerable ex- 
amples of the like. Let thy love therefore 
be to the best, so long as they do well ; but 
take heed that thou love God, thy Country, 
thy Prince, and thine own Estate, before 
all others : for the fancies of men change, 
and he that loves to-day, hateth to-morrow ; 
but let reason be thy school-mistress, which 
shall ever guide thee aright. 

Great Care to be had in the 
choosing of a Wife. — The next and 
greatest care ought to be in the choice of 
a wife, and the only danger therein, is 
beauty, by which all men in all ages, wise 
and foolish, have been betrayed. And 
though I know it vain to use reasons or 
arguments to dissuade thee from being 
captivated therewith, there being few or 

[12] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

none that ever resisted that witchery, yet 
I cannot omit to warn thee, as of other 
things, which may be thy ruin and de- 
struction. For the present time, it is 
true, that every man prefers his fantasy in 
that appetite, before all other worldly 
desires, leaving the care of honour, credit, 
and safety, in respect thereof. But re- 
member, that though these affections do 
not last, yet the bond of marriage dureth 
to the end of thy life. Remember, sec- 
ondly, that if thou marry for beauty, thou 
bindest thyself all thy life for that which per- 
chance will neither last nor please thee one 
year ; and when thou hast it, it will be to 
thee of no price at all ; for the desire dieth 
when it is attained, and the affection 
perisheth when it is satisfied. Remem- 
ber, when thou wert a sucking child that 
then thou didst love thy nurse, and that 
thou wert fond of her ; after a while thou 

[13] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

didst love thy dry-nurse, and didst forget 
the other; after that thou didst also despise 
her: so will it be with thee in thy liking 
in elder years ; and therefore, though thou 
canst not forbear to love, yet forbear to 
link ; and after a while thou shalt find an 
alteration in thyself, and see another far 
more pleasing than the first, second, or 
third love ; yet I wish thee above all the 
rest, have a care thou dost not marry an 
uncomely woman for any respect ; for 
comeliness in children is riches, if nothing 
else be left them. And if thou have care 
for thy races of horses, and other beasts, 
value the shape and comeliness of thy 
children, before alliances or riches. Have 
care therefore of both together, for if thou 
have a fair wife, and a poor one, if thine 
own estate be not great, assure thyself that 
love abideth not with want ; for she is the 
companion of plenty and honour. This 

[*4] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Bathsheba taught her son Solomon ; Fav- 
our is deceitful, and beauty is vanity : she 
saith further, That a wise woman overseeth 
the ways of her household, and eateth not 
the bread of idleness. 

Have therefore ever more care that thou 
be beloved of thy wife, rather than thyself 
besotted on her ; and thou shalt judge of 
her love by these two observations : first, 
if thou perceive she have a care of thy 
estate, and exercise herself therein ; the 
other, if she study to please thee, and be 
sweet unto thee in conversation, without 
thy instruction ; for love needs no teaching 
nor precept. On the other side, be not 
sour or stern to thy wife, for cruelty 
engendereth no other thing than hatred : 
let her have equal part of thy estate whilst 
thou liveth, if thou find her sparing and 
honest ; but what thou givest after thy 
death, remember that thou givest it to a 

[xs] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

stranger, and most times to an enemy ; for 
he that shall marry thy wife, will despise 
thee, thy memory, and thine, and shall 
possess the quiet of thy labours, the fruit 
which thou hast planted, enjoy thy love, 
and spend with joy and ease what thou 
hast spared, and gotten with care and tra- 
vail. Yet always remember, that thou 
leave not thy wife to be a shame unto 
thee after thou art dead, but that she may 
live according to thy estate ; especially if 
thou hast few children, and them provided 
for. But howsoever it be, or whatsoever 
thou find, leave thy wife no more than of 
necessity thou must, but only during her 
widowhood ; but leave thy estate to thy 
house and children, in which thou livest 
upon earth whilst it lasteth. To con- 
clude, Wives were ordained to continue 
the generation of men, not to transfer 
them, and diminish them, either in con- 

[16] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

tinuance or ability ; and therefore thy 
house and estate, which liveth in thy son, 
and not in thy wife, is to be preferred. 
Thy best time for marriage will be towards 
thirty, for as the younger times are unfit, 
either to choose or to govern a wife and 
family, so if thou stay long thou shalt 
hardly see the education of thy children, 
who being left to strangers, are in effect 
lost : and better were it to be unborn, than 
ill-bred ; for thereby thy posterity shall 
either perish, or remain a shame to thy 
name and family. Bestow therefore thy 
youth so, that thou mayest have comfort to 
remember it, when it hath forsaken thee, 
and not sigh and grieve at the account 
thereof. Whilst thou are young thou wilt 
think it will never have an end ; but be- 
hold, the longest day hath his evening, 
and that thou shalt enjoy it but once — 
that it never turns again ; use it therefore 

' [17] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

as the spring-time which soon departeth, 
and wherein thou oughtest to plant, and 
sow all provisions for a long and happy 
life. 

The Wisest Men have been abused 
by Flatterers. — Take care thou be not 
made a fool by flatterers, for even the 
wisest men are abused by these. Know 
therefore, that flatterers are the worst kind 
of traitors ; for they will strengthen thy 
imperfections, encourage thee in all evils, 
correct thee in nothing, but so shadow and 
paint all thy vices and follies, as thou shalt 
never, by their will, discern evil from good, 
or vice from virtue. And because all men 
are apt to flatter themselves, to entertain 
the additions of other men's praises, is 
most perilous. Do not therefore praise 
thyself, except thou wilt be counted a vain- 
glorious fool, neither take delight in the 
praise of other men, except thou deserve 

[18] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

it, and receive it from such as are worthy 
and honest, and will withal warn thee of 
thy faults; for flatterers have never any 
virtue, they are ever base, creeping, cow- 
ardly persons. A flatterer is said to be a 
beast that biteth smiling; it is said by 
Isaiah in this manner : ' My people, they 
that praise thee, seduce thee, and disorder 
the paths of thy feet : ' and David desired 
God to cut out the tongue of a flatterer. 
But it is hard to know them from friends, 
they are so obsequious and full of protes- 
tations ; for as a wolf resembles a dog, so 
doth a flatterer a friend. A flatterer is 
compared to an ape, who because she 
cannot defend the house like a dog, labour 
as an ox, or bear burdens as a horse, 
doth therefore yet play tricks and provoke 
laughter. Thou mayest be sure that he 
that will in private tell thee thy faults, is 
thy friend, for he adventures thy dislike, 

[19] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

and doth hazard thy hatred ; for there are 
few men that can endure it, every man 
for the most part delighting in self-praise, 
which is one of the most universal follies 
that bewitcheth mankind. 

Private Quarrels to be Avoided. — 
Be careful to avoid public disputations at 
feasts or at tables among choleric or 
quarrelsome persons ; and eschew ever- 
more to be acquainted or familiar with 
ruffians ; for thou shalt be in as much 
danger in contending with a brawler in a 
private quarrel, as in a battle, wherein 
thou mayest get honour to thyself, and 
safety to thy prince and country ; but if 
thou be once engaged, carry thyself bravely, 
that they may fear thee after. To shun 
therefore private fight, be well advised in 
thy words and behaviour, for honour and 
shame is in the talk, and the tongue of a 
man causeth him to fall. 

[20] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Jest not openly at those that are simple, 
but remember how much thou art bound 
to God, who hath made thee wiser. De- 
fame not any woman publicly, though 
thou know her to be evil ; for those that 
are faulty, cannot endure to be taxed, but 
will seek to be avenged of thee ; and those 
that are not guilty, cannot endure unjust 
reproach. And as there is nothing more 
shameful and dishonest, than to do wrong, 
so truth itself cutteth his throat that carri- 
eth her publicly in every place. Remember 
the divine saying, 'he that keepeth his 
mouth, keepeth his life/ Do therefore right 
to all men where it may profit them, and 
thou shalt thereby get much love ; and for- 
bear to speak evil things of men, though it 
be true (if thou be not constrained) and 
thereby thou shalt avoid malice and revenge. 

Do not accuse any man of any crime, 
if it be not to save thyself, thy prince, or 

[«1 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

country ; for there is nothing more dis- 
honourable, next to treason itself, than to 
be an accuser. Notwithstanding I would 
not have thee for any respect lose thy 
reputation, or endure public disgrace : for 
better it were not to live, than to live a 
coward, if the offence proceed not from 
thyself: if it do, it shall be better to 
compound it upon good terms, than to 
hazard thyself; for if thou overcome, 
thou art under the cruelty of the law, if 
thou art overcome, thou art dead or dis- 
honoured. If thou therefore contend, or 
discourse in argument, let it be with wise 
and sober men, of whom thou must learn 
by reasoning, and not with ignorant per- 
sons ; for thou shalt thereby instruct 
those that will not thank thee, and will 
utter what they have learned from thee 
for their own. But if thou know more 
than other men, utter it when it may do 

[22] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

thee honour, and not in assemblies of 
ignorant and common persons. 

Speaking much, also, is a sign of vanity ; 
for he that is lavish in words, is a niggard 
in deeds ; and as Solomon saith, ' The 
mouth of a wise man is in his heart, the 
heart of a fool is in his mouth, because 
what he knoweth or thinketh, he utter- 
eth.' And by thy words and discourses, 
men will judge thee. For as Socrates 
saith, c Such as thy words are, such will 
thy affections be esteemed ; and such will 
thy deeds as thy affections, and such thy 
life as thy deeds/ Therefore be advised 
what thou dost discourse of, what thou 
maintainest; whether touching religion, 
state, or vanity; for if thou err in the 
first, thou shalt be accounted profane ; if 
in the second, dangerous ; if in the third, 
indiscreet and foolish. He that cannot 
refrain from much speaking, is like a city 

[»3] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

without walls, and less pains in the world 
a man cannot take, than to hold his 
tongue ; therefore if thou observest this 
rule in all assemblies, thou shalt seldom 
err — restrain thy choler, hearken much 
and speak little ; for the tongue is the in- 
strument of the greatest good and greatest 
evil that is done in the world. 

According to Solomon, life and death 
are in the power of the tongue : and as 
Euripides truly affirmeth, 1 Every unbridled 
tongue, in the end, shall find itself unfor- 
tunate ; ' for in all that ever I observed in 
the course of worldly things, I ever found 
that men's fortunes are oftener made by 
their tongues than by their virtues, and 
more men's fortunes overthrown thereby 
also, than by their vices. And to con- 
clude, all quarrels, mischief, hatred, and 
destruction, arise from unadvised speech, 
and in much speech there are many errors, 

[^4] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

out of which thy enemies shall ever take 
the most dangerous advantage. And as 
thou shalt be happy, if thou thyself ob- 
serve these things, so shalt it be most 
profitable for thee to avoid their com- 
panies that err in that kind ; and not to 
hearken to tale-bearers, to inquisitive per- 
sons, and such as busy themselves with 
other men's estates ; that creep into houses 
as spies, to learn news which concerns 
them not ; for assure thyself such persons 
are most base and unworthy, and I never 
knew any of them prosper, or respected 
amongst worthy or wise men. 

Take heed also that thou be not found 
a liar ; for a lying spirit is hateful both to 
God and man. A liar is commonly a 
coward, for he dares not avow truth. A 
liar is trusted of no man, he can have no 
credit, either in public or private ; and if 
there were no more arguments than this, 

[»5] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

know that our Lord, in St. John, saith, 
4 that it is a vice proper to Satan,' lying 
being opposite to the nature of God, which 
consisted! ill truth ; and the gain of lying 
is nothing else, hut not to he trusted of 
any, nor to be believed when we say the 
truth. It is said in the Proverbs, l that 
( i ! hateth false lips ; and he that speaketh 
lies shall perish.' Thus thou mayst see 
and find in all the books of God, how 
odious and contrary to God a liar is; and 
for the world, believe it, that it never did 
any man good, except in the extremity of 
saving life; for a liar is of a base, un- 
worthy, and cowardly spirit. 

Three Rules to be observed for the 
Preservation of a Man's Estate. — 
Amongst all other things of the world, 
take care of thy estate, which thou shalt 
ever preserve, if thou observe three things ; 
first, that thou know what thou hast ; 

[z6] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

what every thing is worth that thou hast ; 
and to see that thou art not wasted by thy 
servants and officers. The second is, that 
thou never spend any thing before thou 
have it ; for borrowing is the canker and 
death of every man's estate. The third 
is, that thou suffer not thyself to be 
wounded for other men's faults, and 
scourged for other men's offences ; which 
is, the surety for another ; for thereby 
millions of men have been beggared and 
destroyed, paying the reckoning of other 
men's riot, and the charge of other men's 
folly and prodigality ; if thou smart, smart 
for thine own sins, and above all things, 
be not made an ass to carry the burdens of 
other men. If any friend desire thee to 
be his surety, give him a part of what thou 
hast to spare ; if he press thee farther he 
is not thy friend at all, for friendship 
rather chooseth harm to itself, than offer- 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

eth it. If thou be bound for a stranger, 
thou art a fool ; if for a merchant thou 
puttest thy estate to learn to swim ; if for 
a church-man, he hath no inheritance ; if 
for a lawyer, he will find an evasion by a 
syllable or word, to abuse thee; if for a 
poor man thou must pay it thyself; if for 
a rich man he needs not : therefore from 
suretyship, as from a manslayer or en- 
chanter, bless thyself; for the best profit 
and return will be this — that if thou force 
him for whom thou art bound, to pay it 
himself, he will become thy enemy ; if 
thou use to pay it thyself, thou wilt be- 
come a beggar. And believe thy father 
in this, and print it in thy thought — that 
what virtue soever thou hast, be it never 
so manifold, if thou be poor withal, thou 
and thy qualities shall be despised : besides, 
poverty is oftentimes sent as a curse of 
God, it is a shame amongst men, an im- 

[28] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

prisonment of the mind, a vexation of 
every worthy spirit ; thou shalt neither 
help thyself nor others ; thou shalt drown 
thee in all thy virtues, having no means to 
show them ; thou shalt be a burden and 
an eye-sore to thy friends ; every man 
will fear thy company, thou shalt be driven 
basely to beg, and depend on others, to 
flatter unworthy men, to make dishonest 
shifts : and, to conclude, poverty provokes 
a man to do infamous and detested deeds. 
Let not vanity, therefore, or persuasion 
draw thee to that worst of worldly 
miseries. 

If thou be rich, it will give thee pleasure 
in health, comfort in sickness, keep thy 
mind and body free, save thee from many 
perils, relieve thee in thy elder years, re- 
lieve the poor and thy honest friends, and 
give means to thy posterity to live and de- 
fend themselves and thine own fame. 

[»9] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Where it is said in the Proverbs, that c he 
shall be sore vexed that is surety for a 
stranger, and he that hateth suretyship is 
sure' : it is farther said, ' the poor is hated 
even of his own neighbour, but the rich 
have many friends.' Lend not to him 
that is mightier than thyself, for if thou 
lendest him, count it but lost. Be not 
surety above thy power, for if thou be 
surety think to pay it. 

What sort of Servants are fittest 
to be entertained. — Let thy servants 
be such as thou mayest command, and 
entertain none about thee but yoemen, to 
whom thou givest wages ; for those that 
will serve thee without thy hire, will cost 
thee treble as much as they that know thy 
fare : if thou trust any servant with thy 
purse, be sure thou take his account ere 
thou sleep ; for if thou put it off, thou 
wilt then afterwards for tediousness, neg- 

[3°] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

lect it. I myself have thereby lost more 
than I am worth. And whatever thy 
servant gaineth thereby, he will never 
thank thee, but laugh thy simplicity to 
scorn ; and besides, 'tis the way to make 
thy servants thieves, which else would be 
honest. 

Brave Rags wear soonest out of 
Fashion. — Exceed not in the humour of 
rags and bravery, for these will soon wear 
out of fashion ; but money in thy purse 
will ever be in fashion ; and no man is 
esteemed for gay garments, but by fools 
and women. 

Riches not to be sought by evil 
Means. — On the other side, take heed 
that thou seek not riches basely, nor attain 
them by evil means ; destroy no man for 
his wealth, nor take any thing from the^y 
poor : for the cry and complaint thereof 
will pierce the heavens. And it is most 

[3'] 



P R A C I UAL W I S I) () M 
detestable before God, and most disnon- 

( .arable before worthy men to wrest any 
thing from the needy and labouring soul. 
(Jed will never prosper thee in aught, if 
thou offend therein: but use thv poor 
neighbours and tenants well, pine not them 
and their children to add superfluity and 
needless expenses to thvself. He that 
hath pitv on another man's sorrow, shall 
be free from it himself; and he that de- 
lighteth in, and seorneth the misery of 
another, shall one time or other fall into 
it himself. Remember this precept, c He 
that hath mercy on the poor lendeth unto 
the Lord, ami the Lord will recompense 
him what he hath given. 1 I do not under- 
stand those for poor, which are vagabonds 
and beggars, but those that labour to live, 
such as are old and cannot travel, such 
poor widows and fatherless children as are 
ordered to be relieved, and the poor tenants 

[3»] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

that travail to pay their rents and are 
driven to poverty by mischance, and not 
by riot or careless expenses ; on such have 
thou compassion, and God will bless thee 
for it. Make not the hungry soul sorrow- 
ful, defer not thy gift to the needy, for if 
he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, 
his prayer shall be heard of him that made 
him. 

What Inconveniences happen to 

SUCH AS DELIGHT IN WlNE. Take 

especial care that thou delight not in wine, 
for there never was any man that came to 
honour or preferment that loved it ; for it 
transformeth a man into a beast, decayeth 
health, poisoneth the breath, destroyeth 
natural heat, brings a man's stomach to 
an artificial heat, deformeth the face, rot- 
teth the teeth, and to conclude, maketh a 
man contemptible, soon old, and despised 
of all wise and worthy men ; hated in thy 

[33] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

servants, in thyself and companions ; for 
it is a bewitching and infectious vice ; and 
remember my words, that it were better 
for a man to be subject to any vice than 
to it ; for all other vanities and sins are 
recovered, but a drunkard will never shake 
off the delight of beastliness ; for the 
longer it possesses a man, the more he 
will delight in it, and the older he groweth, 
the more he will be subject to it ; for it 
dulleth the spirits and destroyeth the body, 
as ivy doth the old tree ; or as the worm 
that engendereth in the kernel of the 
nut. 

Take heed therefore that such a cure- 
less canker pass not thy youth, nor such a 
beastly infection thv old age; for then 
shall all thy life be but as the life of a 
beast, and after thy death, thou shalt only 
leave a shameful infamy to thy posterity, 
who shall study to forget that such a one 

[34] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

was their father. Anacharsis saith, the 
first draught serveth for health, the second 
for pleasure, the third for shame, the 
fourth for madness ; but in youth there is 
not so much as one draught permitted ; 
for it putteth fire to fire ; and therefore 
except thou desire to hasten thine end, 
take this for a general rule, that thou 
never add any artificial heat to thy body, 
by wine or spice, until thou find that time 
hath decayed thy natural heat, and the 
sooner thou beginnest to help nature, the 
sooner she will forsake thee, and trust al- 
together to art. Who have misfortunes, 
saith Solomon, who have sorrow and grief, 
who have trouble without fighting, stripes 
without cause, and faintness of eyes ? even 
they that sit at wine, and strain themselves 
to empty cups. Pliny saith, wine maketh 
the hand quivering, the eyes watery, the 
night unquiet, lewd dreams, a stinking 

[35] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

breath in the morning, and an utter for- 
getfulness of all things. 

Whosoever loveth wine, shall not be 
trusted of any man, for he cannot keep a 
secret. Wine maketh man not only a 
beast, but a madman; and if thou love it, 
thy own wife, thy children and thy friends 
will despise thee. In drink, men care not 
what they say, what offence they give, 
forget comeliness, commit disorders ; and 
to conclude, offend all virtuous and honest 
company, and God most of all, to whom 
we daily pray for health, and a life free 
from pain; and yet by drunkenness and 
gluttony (which is the drunkenness of 
feeding), we draw on, saith Hesiod, a 
swift, hasty, untimely, cruel, and an in- 
famous old age. And St. Augustine des- 
cribeth drunkenness in this manner: 
' Ebrietas est blandus Daemon, dulce vene- 
num, suave peccatum ; quod qui habet 

[36] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

seipsum non habetj quod qui facit, pec- 
catum non facit, sed ipse est peccatum.' 

'Drunkenness is a flattering devil, a 
sweet poison, a pleasant sin, which who- 
soever hath, hath not himself, which who- 
soever doth commit, doth not commit sin, 
but he himself is wholly sin.' 

Innocentius saith, c Quid turpius ebrioso, 
cui foetor in ore, tremor in corpore, qui 
promit stulta, prodit occulta, cui mens 
alienatur, facies transformatur ? Nullum 
secretum ubi regnat ebrietas, et quid non 
aliud designat malum ? Fecundi calices 
quern non fecere disertum ? ' 

' What is filthier than a drunken man, 
to whom there is stink in the mouth, 
trembling in the body; which uttereth 
foolish things, and revealeth secret things ; 
whose mind is alienate and face trans- 
formed ? There is no secrecy where 
drunkenness rules ; nay, what other mis- 

[37] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

chief doth it not design ? whom have not 
plentiful cups made eloquent and talking ? ' 

When Diogenes saw a house to be sold, 
whereof the owner was given to drink, c I 
thought at the last,' quoth Diogenes, l he 
would vomit a whole house.' 

Let God be thy Protector and 
Director in all thy Actions. — Now, 
for the world, I know it too well, to per- 
suade thee to dive into the practices 
thereof; rather stand upon thine own 
guard against all that tempt thee there- 
unto, or may practise upon thee in thy 
conscience, thy reputation, or thy purse; 
resolve that no man is wise or safe, but he 
that is honest. 

Serve God, let him be the author of all 
thy actions, commend all thy endeavours 
to him that must either wither or prosper 
them ; please him with prayer, lest if he 
frown, he confound all thy fortunes and 

[38] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

labours like the drops of rain on the sandy- 
ground : let my experienced advice, and 
fatherly instructions, sink deep into thy 
heart. So God direct thee in all his ways, 
and fill thy heart with his grace. 



[39] 



FRANCIS OSBORN'S ADVICE 
TO A SON 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

FRANCIS OSBORN'S ADVICE 

TO A SON 

EDUCATION. — Though I can 
never pay enough to your grand- 
father's memory, for his tender care of my 
education, yet I must observe in it this 
mistake j that by keeping me at home, where 
I was one of my young masters, I lost the 
advantage of my most docile time. For not 
undergoing the same discipline, I must 
needs come short of their experience, that 
are bred up in free schools ; who, by plotting 
to rob an orchard, etc., run through all the 
subtleties required in taking of a town; 
being made, by use, familiar to secrecy and 
compliance with opportunity ; qualities 
never after to be attained at cheaper rates 
than the hazard of all : whereas these see 
the danger of trusting others, and the rocks 

[43] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

they fall upon, by a too obstinate adhering 
to their own imprudent resolutions ; and 
all this under no higher penalty than a 
whipping : and 'tis possible this indulgence 
of my father might be the cause I afforded 
him so poor a return for all his cost. 

Let not an over-passionate prosecution 
of learning draw you from making an 
honest improvement of your estate ; as 
such do, who are better read in the bigness 
of the whole earth, than that little spot, 
left them by their friends, for their support. 

A mixed education suits employment 
best : scholars and citizens, by a too long 
plodding in the same track, have their ex- 
perience seldom dilated beyond the circle 
of a narrow profession ; of which they 
carry so apparent marks, as bewray in all 
places, by their words and gestures, the 
ped and company they were brought up 
in ; so that all ways of preferment are 

[44] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

stopped against them, through others' pre- 
judice, or their own natural insufficiency; 
it being ordinary in their practice to mis- 
take a wilful insolence for a resolute con- 
fidence, and pride for gravity ; the short- 
ness of the tether their long restraint 
confined them to, not affording convenient 
room to take a decent measure of virtue 
and vice. So by using others as they 
were dealt with themselves, repute is lost 
when they come to command ; it being 
justified in history, that slaves after they 
have forgot all fear of the sword, cannot 
shake ofF the terror of the whip. There- 
fore few not freely educated, can wear 
decently the habit of a court, or behave 
themselves in such a mediocrity, as shall 
not discover too much idolatry towards 
those in a superior orb, or disdain in rela- 
tion to such, as fortune rather than merit 
hath possibly placed below them. 

[45] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

I have observed in collegiate discipline, 
that all the reverence to superiors, learned 
in the hall or chapel, is lost in the irrever- 
ent discourse you have of them in your 
chambers ; by this, you leave the principal 
business of youth neglected, which is, to 
be perfect in patience and obedience ; 
habits nowhere so exactly learned, as in 
the foundations of the Jesuits, could they 
be fetched thence without prejudice to 
religion or freedom. 

If a more profitable employment pull 
you not too soon from the university, 
make some inspection into physic ; which 
will add to your welcome wherever you 
come ; it being usual, especially for ladies, 
to yield no less reverence to their physi- 
cians, than their confessors : neither doth 
the refusal of fees abate your profit pro- 
portionably to the advancement it brings to 
your credit : the intricacy of the study is not 

[46] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

great, after an exact knowledge in anatomy 
and drugs is obtained ; not hard, by reason 
of the late helps. Yet I advise you this, 
under such caution, as not to imagine the 
diseases you read of, inherent in yourself; 
as some melancholic young men do, that 
make their first experiments upon their own 
bodies, to their perpetual detriment ; there- 
fore you may live by, not upon physic. 

Huge volumes, like the ox roasted at 
Bartholomew Fair, may proclaim plenty 
of labour and invention, but afford less of 
what is delicate, savoury and well con- 
cocted, than smaller pieces : this makes 
me think, that though, upon occasion, you 
may come to the table, and examine the 
bill of fare, set down by such authors ; yet 
it cannot but lessen ingenuity, still to fall 
aboard with them ; human sufficiency 
being too narrow, to inform with the pure 
soul of reason, such vast bodies. 

[47] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

As the grave hides the faults of physic, 
no less than mistakes, opinion and con- 
trary applications are known to have en- 
riched the art withal ; so many old books, 
by like advantages rather than desert, have 
crawled up to an esteem above new : it 
being the business of better heads perhaps 
than ever their writers owned, to put a 
glorious and significant gloss upon the 
meanest conceit or improbable opinion of 
antiquity : whereas modern authors are 
brought by critics to a strict account for 
the smallest semblance of a mistake. If 
you consider this seriously, it will learn 
you more moderation, if not wisdom. 

Be conversant in the speeches, declara- 
tions, and transactions occasioned by the 
late war : out of which more natural and 
useful knowledge may be sucked, than is 
ordinarily to be found in the mouldy 
records of antiquity. 

[48] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

When I consider with what contradic- 
tion reports arrived at us, during our late 
civil wars, I can give the less encourage- 
ment to the reading of history : romances, 
never acted, being born purer from sophis- 
tication than actions reported to be done, 
by which posterity hereafter, no less than 
antiquity heretofore, is likely to be led 
into a false, or at best, but a contingent 
belief. Caesar, though in this happy, that he 
had a pen able to grave into neat language 
what his sword at first more roughly cut out, 
may in my judgment, abuse his reader : for 
he, that for the honour of his own wit, doth 
make people speak better than can be sup- 
posed men so barbarously bred were able, 
may possibly report they fought worse than 
really they did. Of a like value are the 
orations of Thucydides, Livy, Tacitus, and 
most other historians ; which doth not a 
little prejudice the truth of all the rest. 

[49] 



P R A CTICAL WISDOM 

Were it worthv or capable to receive so 
much illumination from one never made 
welcome by it, I should tell the world, as 
I do vou, there is as little reason to believe 
men know certainly all they write, as to 
think they write all they imagine : and as 
this cannot be admitted without danger, so 
the other, though it mav in shame be de- 
nied, is altogether as true. 

A few books well studied, and thor- 
oughly digested, nourish the understanding 
more than hundreds but gargled in the 
mouth, as ordinary students use: and of 
these choice must be had answerable to 
the profession you intend : for a states- 
man, French authors are best, as most 
fruitful in negotiations and memoirs, left 
by public ministers and by their secretar- 
ies, published after their deaths : out of 
which you may be able to unfold the rid- 
dles of all states : none making more 

[5°] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

faithful reports of things done in all 
nations, than ambassadors ; who cannot 
want the best intelligence, because their 
princes' pensioners unload in their bosoms, 
all they can discover. And here, by way 
of prevention, let me inform you, that 
some of our late ambassadors, which I 
could name, impaired our affairs, by treat- 
ing with foreign princes in the language 
of the place : by which they did not only 
descend below their master's dignity, but 
their own discretion : betraying, for want 
of words of gravity, the intrinsic part of 
their employment : and going beyond their 
commission oftener by concession, than 
confining themselves within it, or to it ; 
the true rule for a minister of state, not 
hard to be gained by a resolute contest : 
which if made by an interpreter, he, like a 
medium, may intercept the shame of any 
impertinent speech, which eagerness or 

[51] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

indiscretion may let slip : neither is it a 
small advantage to gain so much time for 
deliberation, which is fit farther to urge : 
it being besides, too much an honouring 
of their tongue, and undervaluing your 
own, to profess yourself a master therein, 
especially since they scorn to learn yours. 
And to show this is not grounded on my 
single judgment, I have often been in- 
formed, that the first and wisest Earl of 
Pembroke, did return an answer to the 
Spanish ambassador, in Welsh, for which 
I have heard him highly commended. 

It is an aphorism in physic, that un- 
wholesome airs, because perpetually sucked 
into the lungs, do distemper health more 
than coarser diet, used but at set times : 
the like may be said of company, which if 
good, is a better refiner of the spirits, than 
ordinary books. 

Propose not them for patterns, who 

[52] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

make all places rattle, where they come, 
with Latin and Greek; for the more 
you seem to have borrowed from books, 
the poorer you proclaim your natural 
parts, which only can properly be called 
yours. 

Follow not the tedious practice of such 
as seek wisdom only in learning ; not at-? 
tainable but by experience and natural 
parts. Much reading, like a too great 
repletion, stopping up, through a concourse 
of diverse, sometimes contrary opinions, 
the access of a nearer, newer, and quicker 
invention of your own. And for quota- 
tions, they resemble sugar in wine, mar- 
ring the natural taste of the liquor, if it be 
good; if bad, that of itself: such patches 
rather making the rent seem greater, by 
an interruption of the style, than less, if 
not so neatly applied as to fall in without 
drawing : nor is any thief in this kind 

[S3] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

sufferable, who comes not off, like a 
Lacedemonian, without discovery. 

The way to elegancy of style, is to em- 
ploy your pen upon every errand ; and the 
more trivial and dry it is, the more brains 
must be allowed for sauce : thus by check- 
ing all ordinary invention, your reason 
will attain to such a habit, as not to dare 
to present you but with what is excellent ; 
and if void of affection, it matters not 
how mean the subject is : there being the 
same exactness observed, by g'ood archi- 
tects, in the structure of the kitchen, as 
the parlour. 

When business or compliment calls you 
to write letters, consider what is fit to be 
said, were the party present, and set down 
that. 

Avoid words or phrases likely to be 
learned in base company ; lest you fall 
into the error the late Archbishop Laud 

[54] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

did ; who though no ill speaker, yet blunted 
his repute by saying in the Star Chamber, 
men entered the church as a tinker and 
his bitch do an alehouse. 

The small reckoning I have seen made, 
especially in their lifetime, of excellent 
wits, bids me advise you, that if you find 
any delight in writing, to go on : but, in 
hope to please or satisfy others, I would 
not black the end of a quill : for long 
experience hath taught me, that builders 
always, and writers for the most part, 
spend their money and time in the pur- 
chase of reproof and censure from en- 
vious contemporaries, or self-conceited 
posterity. 

Be not frequent in poetry, how excellent 
soever your vein is, but make it rather 
your recreation, than business : because 
though it swells you in your own opinion, 
it may render you less in that of wiser 

[55] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

men, who are not ignorant, how great a 
mass of vanity, for the most part, coucheth 
under this quality, proclaiming their heads 
like ships, of use only for pleasure, and so 
richer in trimming than lading. 

It is incident to many, but as it were 
natural with poets, to think others take 
the like pleasure in hearing, as they do in 
reading their own inventions. Not con- 
sidering, that the generality of ears are 
commonly stopped with prejudice of ig- 
norance : neither can the understandings 
of men, any more than their tastes, be 
wooed to find a like savour in all things ; 
one approving what others condemn, upon 
no weightier an account than the single 
score of their own opinions. Yet some, 
like infirm people, make it the chief part 
of their entertainment, to show strangers 
their gouty lines ; in which they do not 
seldom become more unhappy than those 

[56] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

really diseased, who by such boldness do 
sometimes hear of a remedy. 

The art of music is so unable to refund 
for the time and cost required to be per- 
fect therein, as I cannot think it worth 
any serious endeavour : the owner of that 
quality being still obliged to the trouble of 
calculating the difference between the 
morose humour of a rigid refuser, and the 
cheap and prostituted levity and forward- 
ness of a mercenary fiddler. Denial being 
as often taken for pride, as a too ready 
compliance falls under the notion of os- 
tentation : those so qualified seldom know- 
ing when it is time to begin, or give over ; 
especially women, who do not rarely de- 
cline in modesty, proportionably to the 
progress they make in music. 

Wear your clothes neat, exceeding 
rather than coming short of others of like 
fortune ; a charge borne out by acceptance 

[57] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

wherever you come ; therefore spare all 
other ways rather than prove defective in 
this. 

Never buy but with ready money ; and 
be drawn rather to fix where you find 
things cheap and good, than for friendship 
or acquaintance, who are apt to take it 
unkindly, if you will not be cheated. For 
if you get nothing else by going from one 
shop to another, you shall gain experience. 

Next to clothes, a good horse becomes 
a gentleman : in whom can be no great 
loss, after you have got the skill to choose 
him ; which once attained, you may keep 
yourself from being cozened, and pleasure 
your friend : the greatest danger is haste : 
I never loved to fix on one fat, for then I 
saw him at the best, without hope of im- 
provement : if you have fallen on a bar- 
gain not for your turn, make the market 
your chapman, rather than a friend. 

[s«] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Gallop not through a town, for fear of 
hurting yourself or others ; besides the in- 
decency of it, which may give cause to 
such as see you, to think your horse or 
brains none of your own. 

Wrestling and vaulting have ever been 
looked upon by me as more useful than 
fencing, being often out-dared by resolu- 
tion, because of the vast difference between 
a foyn and a sword, a house and a field. 

Swimming may save a man, in case of 
necessity ; though it loseth many, when 
practised in wantonness, by increasing 
their confidence ; therefore, for pleasure 
exceed not your depth ; and in seeking to 
save another, beware of drowning yourself. 

Though Machiavel sets down hunting 
and hawking in the bill of advice he pre- 
scribes to a prince, as not only the whole- 
somest and cheapest diversions, both in 
relation to himself and his people, but the 

[59] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

best tutors to horsemanship, stratagems 
and situations on which he may have after 
occasion to place an army. Yet these are 
so much under the disposition of chance, 
the most delightful part being wholly man- 
aged according to the sense of the crea- 
ture, that by such cross accidents, as do 
not seldom intervene, storms of choler are 
often raised, in which many humours 
flash out, that in a greater serenity pru- 
dence would undoubtedly conceal : so as I 
could name some reputed owners of a 
habit of policy, more ruffled, and farther 
put out of their bias, by a small rub lying 
in the way of their pleasure, than a greater 
could cause in that of their profit. And 
as sinister events in these pastimes deject 
a man below the ordinary level of discre- 
tion, so a happy success doth as often 
wind him up to such a jovial pin, that he 
becomes a familiar companion to those 

[60] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

who can inform his judgment in little, but 
what signifies nothing, and whom in a 
more reserved temper he would think it 
tedious to hear, yet cannot after shake off 
their acquaintance, without incurring the 
censure of pride or inconstancy. Neither 
am I led to this opinion by any particular 
disaffection, but out of the greater rever- 
ence I bear to the wisdom of Sir Philip 
Sidney, who said, that next hunting he 
liked hawking worst. However though 
he may have fallen into as hyperbolical an 
extreme, yet who can put too great a scorn 
upon their folly that to bring home a 
rascal deer, or a few rotten coneys, submit 
their lives to the will or passion of such as 
may take them, under a penalty no less 
slight than there is discretion shown in 
exposing them. 

Such as are betrayed by their easy 
nature, to be ordinary security for their 

[6!] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

friends, leave so little to themselves, as 
their liberty remains ever after arbitrary at 
the will of others. Experience having 
recorded many, whom their fathers had 
left elbow room enough, that by suretyship 
have expired in a dungeon. But if you 
cannot avoid this labyrinth, enter no farther 
than the thread of your own stock will 
reach; the observation of which will, at 
worst, enable you to bail yourself. 

Let not the titles of consanguinity be- 
tray you into a prejudicial trust ; no blood 
being apter to raise a fever or cause a 
consumption sooner in your poor estate, 
than that which is nearest your own ; as I 
have most unhappily found, and your good 
grandfather presaged, though God was 
pleased to leave it in none of our powers 
to prevent : nothing being truer in all 
Solomon's observations, than that a good 
friend is nearer than an unnatural brother. 

[62] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

He that lends upon public faith is se- 
curity for his own money, and can blame 
none more than himself, if never paid ; 
common debts, like common lands, lying 
ever most neglected. 

Honesty treats with the world upon 
such vast disadvantage, that a pen is often 
as useful to defend you as a sword, by 
making writing the witness of your con- 
tracts ; for where profit appears, it doth 
commonly cancel the bands of friendship, 
religion, and the memory of anything that 
can produce no other register than what 
is verbal. 

In a case of importance, hear the reasons 
of others pleaded, but be sure not to be so 
implicitly led by their judgments, as to 
neglect a greater of your own, as Charles 
of England did, to the loss of his crown ; 
for as the ordinary saying is, Count money 
after your father, so the same prudence 

[6 3 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

adviseth to measure the ends of all coun- 
sels, though uttered by never so intimate a 
friend. 

Beware, nevertheless, of thinking your- 
self wiser or greater than you are. Pride 
brake the angels in heaven, and spoils all 
heads we find cracked here ; for such as 
observe those in Bedlam, shall perceive 
their fancies to beat most upon mistakes 
in honour or love. The way to avoid it 
is, duly to consider how many are above 
you in parts, yet below you in condition; 
and that all men are ignorant in so many 
things, as may justly humble them, though 
sufficiently knowing to bar out despair. 

Shun pride and baseness as tutors to 
contempt, the first of others, the latter of 
yourself, a haughty carriage putting as 
well a mean esteem on what is praise- 
worthy in you, as an high excise on that 
appears amiss, every one being more in- 

[64] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

quisitive after the blemishes than the 
beauties of a proud person ; whereas the 
humble soul passeth the strictest guards 
with more faults, like the fair-mouthed 
traveller, without scorn or searching. 

Though it be common with the King 
of Heaven to punish the wicked and re- 
ward the good, yet we find him said to re- 
sist no vice but pride, nor exalt other vir- 
tue than humility, that being the only sin 
we read of ever brake into his court un- 
washed by forgivenness, where she became 
the first precedent of God's lessening his 
family, and the foundress of hell. Nor 
are his vicegerents upon earth more aus- 
picious to a lofty look, for any affection 
they do naturally bear to it or its owners, 
though sometimes they dissemble their 
dislike, out of the use they make of such 
good parts as have the ill-fortune to be so 
accompanied, this vice being taken as in- 

[65] 



P R \ C T I C A L WISDO M 

to upon majesty, the only birthright 

Therefore, i , let not 

the apprehen jrour merit lead roti 

up t«> this pinnacle, from trhencc man? 

lllen to their utter ruin — nothing 

find ibout j ou being j our own, but 

pi stolen from hooks, and begged, or 

rather dearly bou experience: this 

prove* the ranity of pride, that though s he 

is able to boast of no more than she hath 

received (the hive being possibly altered, 
but not the honey ), jret ihe is ravished so 

with the conceit of what ihe hath, a con- 
templation befitting only the Lord of all 

things, as to neglect a lupply of what is 
wanting, which, justly Summed up, 
amounts to more than the abilities of* anv 
one man are able to reach. 

When vou speak to anv, especially of 
quality, look them full in the face; other 
gestures bewraving want of breeding, con- 

[66] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

fidence, or honesty, dejected eyes confess- 
ing, to most judgments, guilt or folly. 

Impudence is no virtue, yet able to 
beggar them all, being for the most part 
ill good plight when the rest starve, and 
capable of carrying her followers up to the 
highest preferments : found as useful in a 
court as armour in a camp. 

I do not find you guilty of covetousness, 
neither can I say more of it, but that like a 
candle ill made, it smothers the splendour 
of an happy fortune in its own grease. 

Yet live so frugally, if possible, as to 
reserve something that may enable you to 
grapple with any future contingency ; and 
provide in youth, since fortune hath this 
proper with other common mistresses, that 
she deserts age, especially in the company 
of want. 

'Tis generally said of the fox, that he 
supplants the badger, and nestles himself 

[67] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

in his den. What may be pure nature in 
him, wise Seneca adviseth for the highest 
prudence — rather to purchase a house 
ready built, than endure the tedious and 
troublesome expectation and charge at- 
tending the most diligent and able con- 
triver, who cannot find so much pleasure 
in seeing his ideas brought into form, as 
he shall meet discontent from the mistakes 
of his commands, greatness of the expense, 
and idleness of the workmen, who, the 
better to draw men into this labyrinth, 
make things appear more cheap and easy 
than any undertaker of such a task ever 
yet found, knowing, if once engaged, the 
spurs of shame and necessity will drive 
him on ; when the buyer may take or 
leave, having a worla to choose in, and 
the choicest conveniences at another's 
cost, without participating of their dis- 
grace for such faults as curiosity may find, 

[68] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

and he himself might have fallen into had 
he been operator, since nothing was ever 
yet so exactly contrived, but better inform- 
ation, or a new discovery of a more com- 
modious fashion or situation did arraign 
of defect — which altogether proves it the 
best advice, rather to endure the absurdi- 
ties of others gratis, than to be at the cost 
to commit greater yourself. 

Keep no more servants than you have 
full employment for; and if you find a 
good one, look upon him under no severer 
aspect than that of an humble friend, the 
difference between such an one and his 
master residing rather in fortune than in 
nature. Therefore, do not put the worst 
constructions upon anything he doth well, 
or mistakes. Thus, by proportioning 
your carriage to those below, you will the 
better bring your mind to a safe and easy 
deportment to such as fate hath set above 

[69] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

you. To conclude, servants are ever 
sharers with their masters in prosperity, 
and not seldom an occasion of their de- 
struction in bad times, by fomenting jeal- 
ousy from without, or treachery within. 

Leave your bed upon the first desertion 
of sleep; it being ill for the eyes to read 
lying, and worse for the mind to be idle : 
since the head during that laziness is com- 
monly a cage for unclean thoughts. 

It is nowhere wholesome to eat so long 
as you are able; especially in England, 
where meat, aptest to inveigle the stomach 
to an over-repletion, comes last. But in 
case you transgress at one meal, let no 
persuasion tempt you to a second repast, 
till by a fierce hunger you find yourself 
quite discharged of the former excess. An 
exact observance of this hath, under God, 
made me reach these times, and may 
through his mercy preserve you for better. 

[7°] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Drink, during the operation of the dis- 
temper, will act all the humours habitual 
in madmen ; amongst both which I have 
seen some very zealous and devout, who, 
the fit once over, remained no less pro- 
fane. This proves godliness capable of 
being feigned, and may raise an use of 
circumspection, in relation to such as pro- 
fess more than is suitable to human frailty. 

Beware what company you keep, since 
example prevails more than precept, 
though by the erudition dropping from 
these tutors, we imbibe all the tinctures 
of virtue and vice : this renders it little 
less than impossible for nature to hold out 
any long siege against the batteries of 
custom and opportunity. 

Let your wit rather serve you for a 
buckler to defend yourself, by a handsome 
reply, than the sword to wound others, 
though with never so facetious a reproach, 

[71] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

remembering that a word cuts deeper than 
a sharper weapon, and the wound it makes 
is longer in curing; a blow proceediug 
but from a light motion of the hand agi- 
tated by passion, whereas a disgraceful 
speech is the result of a low and base 
esteem settled of the party in your heart. 

Much wisdom resides in the proverbs 
of all nations ; and therefore fit to be 
taken notice of; of which number this is 
common amongst us, play with me, but 
hurt me not, it being past peradventure, 
that more duels arise from jest than earn- 
est, and between friends than enemies ; 
serious injuries seldom happening but upon 
premeditation, which affords reason some, 
though perhaps no full audience; whereas 
this extemporary spirit conjured up by 
shame and smart, hearkens to nothing but 
the rash advice of a present revenge. 

If an injury be of so rank a nature, as 

[>] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

to extort, in point of honour, an unsav- 
oury word, never suitable to the mouth of 
a gentleman, sword-men advise, to second 
it with a blow by way of prevention, lest 
he striking first, which cannot but be ex- 
pected, you should be cast behind-hand. 
But this their decree not being confirmed 
by act of Parliament, I cannot find it suit- 
able with prudence or religion, to make 
the sword umpire of your own life and 
another's, no less than the law, upon no 
more serious an occasion, than the vindi- 
cation of your fame, lost or gained, by 
this brutish valour, in the opinion of none 
that are either wise or pious ; it being out 
of the reach of question, that a quarrel is 
not to be screwed up to such a height of 
indiscretion, without arraigning one or 
both parties of madness : especially since 
formal duels are but a late invention of 
the devil's, never heard of in relation to pri- 

[73] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

vate injuries ; among the Romans the 
gladiators fighting for their pleasure, as the 
Horatii and Curatii for the safety of the 
people. It cannot be denied, but that 
story lays before us many killed for private 
revenge, but never accompanied with so 
ridiculous a formality as the sending of 
challenges, which renders the dead a 
greater murderer than he is that kills him, 
as being without doubt the author of his 
own death. This makes me altogether 
believe, that such wild manhood had its 
original from romances, in which the giant 
is designed for death and the knight to 
marry the lady, whose honour he hath pre- 
served ; not so gently treated by the Eng- 
lish law, where if his legs or friends be 
not the better, he is hanged and his estate 
confiscated, to the perpetual detriment of 
his family : besides the sting of conscience, 
and a natural fear, like that of Cain's, at- 

[74] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

tending blood, by which the remainder of 
life is made tedious and miserable to such 
unfortunate men, who seem in all honest 
company to smell too strong of blood, to 
be taken into any intimate relation. 

Prosecute not a coward too far, lest you 
make him turn valiant to your disadvan- 
tage; it being impossible for any standing 
even in the world's opinion, to gain glory 
by the most he can have of those that lie 
under such a repute; besides, valour is rather 
the product of custom, than nature, and 
often found where least expected ; do not 
therefore waken it to your prejudice, as I 
have known many that would still be insult- 
ing, and could not see when they were well. 

Speak disgracefully of none at ordin- 
aries, or public meetings ; lest some kins- 
man, or friend, being there, should force 
you to a base recantation, or engage you 
in a more indiscreet quarrel : this renders 

[75] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

all free discourse dangerous at meetings 
or mixed companies. 

Reveal not the pranks of another's love, 
how serious or ridiculous soever you find 
them, it being unlikely the mirth should 
compense the danger : by this you shall 
purchase yourself a retentive faculty, and 
sell your friend a stronger confidence of 
your secrecy ; hanging on him the lock of 
a perpetual obligation, of which you may 
ever be keeper of the key, either out of 
love or fear : yet many other faults are 
not more dangerous to commit, than know 
without detecting. 

Be not trumpet of your own charity, or 
vices ; for by the one you disoblige the 
receiver, as well as lose your reward ; and 
by the other, you alarm the censures of 
men ; most being condemned through the 
evidence they give against themselves by 
their words and gestures. 

[76] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Travel. — Some to starch a more serious 
face upon wanton, impertinent, and dear- 
bought vanity, cry up travel as the best 
accomplisher of youth and gentry, though 
detected by experience in the generality, 
for the greatest debaucher ; adding affect- 
ation to folly, and atheism to the curiosity 
of many not well principled by education : 
such wanderers imitating those factors of 
Solomon, that together with gold, returned 
apes and peacocks. 

They, and only they, advantage them- 
selves by travel, who, well fraught with 
the experience of what their own country 
affords, carry over with them large and 
thriving talents, as those servants did, 
commended by our Saviour : for he that 
hath nothing to venture but poor, despica- 
ble, and solitary parts, may be so far from 
improvement, as he hazards quite to lose 
and bury them in the external levity of 

[77] 



P R A CT 1 C A L W 1 S DO M 

France, pride of Spain, and treachery of 

im not being able to take ac- 

quaintar id of more prudencej than 

be meets with in the streets and other 
public places, the activity of his lees and 
arms m.. |y be augmented, and he, 

by tedious compliments, become more ac- 
ceptable in the eyes of silly women, but 
useless, if not pernicious, to the govern- 
ment of his own country, in creating 
doubts and dislikes bv wav of a partial 
comparison. 

Yet since it advanceth opinion in the 
world, without which desert is useful to 
none but itself* (scholars and travellers 
being cried up for the highest graduates in 
the most universal judgments), I am not 
much unwilling to give wav to peregrine 
motion for a time; provided it be in com- 
panv of an ambassador, or person of qual- 
ity ; by whose power the danger may be 

[78] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

rebated, no less than your charge of diet 
defrayed ; inconsiderable in such a retinue 
as persons of their magnitude are forced 
to entertain. 

Or if your genius, tempted by profit, 
incline to the life of a merchant, you have 
the law of nations, and articles of a recip- 
rocal amity, to protect you from other in- 
conveniences, than such as indiscretion 
draws upon rash and unadvised strangers. 

Now if it be your fortune, on any such 
like accounts to leave your native country, 
take these directions from a father, wearied, 
and therefore possibly made wiser, by ex- 
perience. 

Let not the irreligion of any place breed 
in you a neglect of divine duties ; remem- 
bering God heard the prayers of Daniel in 
Babylon, with the same attention he gave 
to David in Sion. 

Shun all disputes, but concerning re- 

[79] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

ligion especially ; because that which com- 
mands in chief, though false and erron- 
eous, will, like a cock on his own dung- 
hill, line her arguments with force, and 
drive the stranger out of the pit with in- 
significant clamours. All opinions, not 
made natural by complexion, or imperious 
education, being equally ridiculous to those 
of contrary tenets. 

Though it may suit no less with your 
years, than mine that advise you, to follow 
such fashions in apparel, as are in use as 
well at home as abroad, those being least 
gazed on that go as most men do ; yet it 
cannot be justified before the face of dis- 
cretion, or the charity due to your own 
countrymen, to esteem no doublet well 
made, nor glove worth wearing, that hath 
not passed the hands of a French tailor, 
or retains not the scent of a Spanish per- 
fumer. A vanity found incident to Eng- 

[80] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

land, and the people our ordinary account 
reckons east of us ; a strong presumption, 
the last arrived within the pale of civility, 
else they would be more confident of their 
own inventions, had they not still fresh in 
memory, from whence they derived the 
arts of building, clothing, behaviour, etc. 
A fancy, though foolish, yet easier excused, 
did it not ascend to the more rare and use- 
ful endowments of the mind, so far as to 
put a miraculous estimation upon the 
writings of strangers, and a base alloy on 
better of their own. 

So he that beyond sea frequents his own 
countrymen, forgets the principal part of 
his errand, language ; and possibly the op- 
portunity to get experience how to manage 
his expense ; frugality being of none so 
perfectly learned, as of the Italian and 
Scot ; natural to the first, and as necessary 
to the latter. The English also are ob- 

[81] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

served abroad more quarrelsome with their 
own nation than strangers, and therefore 
marked out as the most dangerous 
companions. 

An injury in foreign air is cheaper 
passed over than revenged, the endeavour 
of which hath, not seldom, drawn on a 
greater. 

Play is destructive and fatal to estates 
everywhere, but to the persons of game- 
sters abroad, rendering them the objects 
of cheating and quarrels ; all bystanders 
being apt to attest to the prejudice of a 
stranger. 

Where you never mean to return, ex- 
tend your liberality at the first coming, as 
you see convenient, during your abodes ; 
for what you give at parting is quite lost. 

Make no ostentation of carrying any 
considerable sum of money about you; 
lest you turn that to your destruction, 

[82] 






PRACTICAL WISDOM 

which under God is a stranger's best 
preservation : and remove not from place 
to place, but with company you know : 
the not observing whereof is the cause of 
so many of our countrymen's graves never 
being known, having been buried in as 
much obscurity as killed. 

Inns are dangerous, and so are all fresh 
acquaintance, especially where you find 
their offer of friendship to outbid a stranger's 
desert : the same may be said of servants ; 
not to be entertained upon ordinary com- 
mendations. 

Next to experience, languages are the 
richest lading of a traveller ; among which 
French is most useful, Italian and Spanish 
not being so fruitful in learning (except 
for the mathematics and romances), their 
other books being mutilated by the Fathers 
of the Inquisition. 

Government. — Contract not the com- 

[83] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

mon distemper, incident to vulgar brains, 
who still imagine more ease from some 
untried government, than that they lie 
under; not having passed the first form 
of experience, where we may learn, that 
tyranny is natural to power. 

If happy for the present, it is no better 
than madness to endeavour a change; if 
but indifferently well, folly : for though a 
vessel may yield the more for tilting or 
stirring, it renders all in it unpleasant to 
the present use : the die of war seldom 
turning to their advantage, that first cast 
it ; such therefore as cannot make all well, 
discharge their conscience in wishing it 
so ; government being the care of provi- 
dence, not mine. But if it be your for- 
tune to fall under such commotions, imi- 
tate not the wild Irish or Welsh, who 
during the eclipses, run about beating ket- 
tles and pans, thinking their clamour and 

[843 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

vexations available to the assistance of the 
higher orbs, though they advance nothing 
but their own miseries, being often 
maimed, but at best laid by, without 
respect or reward, so soon as the state is 
returned to its former splendour : common 
soldiers resembling cocks, that fight for 
the benefit and ambition of others, more 
than their own : this proves it the whole- 
somer counsel, to stay within doors, and 
avoid such malignant effects, as people at- 
tribute to the supposed distempers of the 
superior planets. But if forced to take a 
stream, let it be that which leads to the 
desires of the metropolis, the chief city 
being for the most part preserved, who 
ever prevails in a civil commotion, abound- 
ing in money and friends, the readiest 
commodities to purchase quiet. 

Be not the pen or mouth of a multitude 
congregated by the jingling of their fetters ; 

[85] 



P R A CT 1 C A L WISDO M 

let! I pardon or a compliance knock them 
off, and letVC JTOU, as the soul of that de- 
formed bodjf hanging in the hell of the 

law, Of to the vengeance of an exasperated 
power] luit rather have patience and see 
the tree sufficiently shaken, before you run 
ramble for the fruit | lest instead of 
profit and honour, \ mi meet with a cudgel 
or a stone | and then, if possible, seem to 
fall in rather out of compulsion, than de- 
I since the zeal of the rabble is not 
POO heated bv the real oppressions of 
their rulers, but mav be easily cooled by 
the I promises and breath of au- 

thority Wherefore nurse not ambition 
with vour own blood, nor think the wind 
of honour strong enough to blow away 
the reproachful sense of a shameful, if 
possibly that of a violent death ; for if 
Solomon's rule be true, that a living dog 
is better than a dead lion, a quick evasion 

[86] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

cannot but be deemed more man-like than a 
buried valour. 

A multitude inflamed under a religious 
pretence, are at first as unsafely opposed, 
as joined with ; resembling bears exasper- 
ated by the cry of their whelps, and do 
not seldom, if unextinguished by hope or 
delays, consume all before them, to the 
very thing they intend to preserve: zeal, 
like the rod of Moses, devouring all for 
diabolical, that dares but appear before it 
in the same shape : the inconsiderate rab- 
ble, with the swine in the gospel, being 
more furiously agitated by the discontented 
spirits of others, than their own ; who 
cannot be so happy in a sea of blood and 
devastation, the dire effects of war, as in 
peace, though invaded with some oppres- 
sion - y a scab that breaks out oftentimes in 
the most wholesome constituted bodies of 
states, and may with less smart be con- 

[87] 



P R A C I I C A L W 1 S DO M 

tinned on, than picked off. Ami because 

the generality arc incapable, in regard of 
nun punishment, 

then >ition «»r 

<nt, like 
' der during the '■'■ 

k in I r: only 

• drn c on 
the • ■:» ; losing thenv- 

li in .1 more unh i 

or doubt 

of the- const quel 

ample of Brutus, rather than 

.lowed in b. \ it 

ben patient, thai j or 

>1, than a malcontent ; an 

not only justified in the person of 

id, and by the eloquence of Paul be- 

his heathen judges, but OUT SavioUT 

ot heard to inveigh against 

the present power, though it made the 

[ M ] 



P R A CT I C A L W I S I) () M 

head of the Baptist the frolic to a feast. 
Own the power, but not the fault of 
the magistrate : nor make law, assigned 
for a buckler to defend yourself, a sword 
to hurt others; lest partiality should allure 
you to pass the sentence of approbation 
upon any thing unwarrantable in its own 
nature. Neither let any formalities used 
at a mimical tribunal (as that was, set up 
in the case of Naboth) persuade you to 
more than a passive compliance : since 
such may seem to make greater, rather 
than diminish the wages of their iniquity, 
that seek to cover rapine with a gown ; 
which the sword might patronise with 
more decency : and this observed, the 
people might cheaper receive all their in- 
jury at the first hand, which these retailers 
of wickedness utter at more intolerable 
rates: the result of all is, Ahab might 
better have committed murder single, than 

[39] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

render so many accessory, under the 
formal pretence of a religious fast, etc. 

Before you fix, consult all the objections 
discretion is able to make ; but once re- 
solved desert not your party upon access 
of a fever, as many melancholy spirits did 
these wars ; who, by their often and un- 
seasonable flittings, wore themselves so 
out on both sides, as they were not worth 
owning, when success undertook for them, 
that they did turn in earnest : irresolution 
rendering pardon more difficult from either 
faction, than it could have proved, had 
they remained constant to any : divesting 
themselves of the ensigns of fidelity, looked 
upon by all with the eyes of pity, and 
which often meet with honour, seldom 
fail of forgiveness, from a noble enemy, 
who cannot but befriend virtue, though he 
hath found it in arms against him. Yet 
if you perceive the post you have con- 

[90] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

tracted, to totter, through undermining 
treachery or weakness, you may purchase 
your preservation by all honest endeavors ; 
for he that prolongs his life by the for- 
feiture of a trust he has undertaken, hus- 
bands it worse than if he buried it in the 
field of honour, traitors in all ages being 
equally detested on both sides. 

Think it no disparagement to your birth 
or discretion to give honour to fresh fam- 
ilies, who cannot be denied to have as- 
cended by the same steps those did we 
style ancient, new being a term only 
respecting us, not the world ; for what is 
was before us, and will be when we are no 
more : war follows peace, and peace war, 
as summer doth winter, and foul weather 
fair : neither are any ground more in this 
mill of vicissitudes, than such obstinate 
fools as glory in the repute of state-mar- 
tyrs after they are dead, which concerns 

[91] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

them less than what was said one hundred 
years before they were born, it being the 
greatest odds their names shall not be 
registered, or if they be, after death, they 
are no more sensible of the honour, than 
Alexander's great horse, or any beast else, 
his master's indulgence or the writer's are 
pleased to record. Neither, in a strict 
sense, do they deserve such honour for 
being able to date their possessions from 
before the Conquest, since, if any be due, 
it wholly belongs to them that were buried 
in the ruins of their country's liberty, and 
not to such as helped to make their graves, 
as in all likelihood most did whom the 
Normans suffered to remain. Therefore, 
it is madness to place our felicity out of 
our own reach, or to measure honour or 
repute by any other standard than the 
opinion we conceive of it ourselves, it 
being impossible to find a general agree- 

i>] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

ment in any good or evil report, the reign 
of Queen Elizabeth being no less traduced, 
than that of Richard the Third is justified. 

Be not, therefore, liquorish after fame, 
found by experience to carry a trumpet, 
that doth for the most part congregate 
more enemies than friends. 

If you duly consider the inconstancy of 
common applause, and how many have 
had their fame broken upon the same 
wheel that raised it, and puffed out by 
their breath that kindled the first report of 
it, you would be as little elevated with the 
smiles as dejected by the frowns of this 
gaudy goddess, formed, like Venus, out of 
no more solid matter than the foam of the 
people, found by experience to have pois- 
oned more than ever she cured ; being so 
volatile, as she is unable of fixation in the 
richest jewels of nature, virtue, or grace ; 
the composition of that body wholly con- 

[93] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

sisting of contradictions, no readier to set 
up this day, than she may be to pull down 
the next : this renders it the lowest puer- 
ility to be pleased or angry at reports, 
good being inflamed, and evil quenched, 
by nothing sooner than a constant neglect. 

Despise none for meanness of blood, 
yet do not ordinarily make them your 
companions, for debasing your own, unless 
you find them clarified by excellent parts, 
or gilded by fortune or power — Solomon 
having sent the sluggard to the ant to learn 
industry, and to the living dog rather than 
the dead lion for protection. 

Grant, if ever, a courtesy at first asking, 
for as expedition doubles a benefit, so 
delay converts it into little less than an 
injury, and robs you of the thanks ; the 
fate of churlish natures ; whereas some I 
have known able to apparel their refusals 
in such soft robes of courtship, that it was 

[94] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

not easy to be discerned whether the re- 
quest or denial were most decent. 

Do not hackney out your promise to 
the full stage of desire, lest, tiring in per- 
formance, and becoming a bankrupt in 
power, you forfeit repute, and purchase 
certain enemies for uncertain friends. Yet 
when the suffrages of many, in relation to 
your particular profit, are to be purchased, 
wise men's practice hath proved it no in- 
discretion to be lavish in this kind ; where 
the dishonour of non-performance with 
others is quite buried in the greater benefit 
accruing to yourself, it being as ordinary 
for hope to exceed modesty in asking, as an 
engaged power comes short of the ability, 
if not the will, to perform : therefore, in 
this case, you must supply with thanks 
what you are not able to do in effect. 

Be not nice in assisting, with the ad- 
vantages nature or art may have given you, 

[95] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

such as want them, who do not seldom in 
exchange part with those of fortune to 
such as can manage their advice well, as 
they only do that never give counsel till 
called, nor continue it longer than they 
find it acceptable. 

If one in power ask your advice in a 
business of consequence, it may appear 
rashness, if not folly, to answer suddenly 
upon the place, it not being impossible 
but that the design of his question may as 
well be to try your sufficiency, as to 
strengthen his own. However, so much 
time as may be borrowed with safety from 
the emergency of any occasion, is likelier 
to increase than abate the weight of a re- 
sult, and in this interim you may gain 
leisure to discover what resolution suits 
best the mind of the party, who is com- 
monly gratified most by such as comply 
nearest with his own judgment, which it 

[96] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

is ever wisdom to observe, where all the 
counsels given are indifferent. Nor will 
it savour of so much respect to his person, 
or care of his affairs, to determine extem- 
pore, as upon premeditation, it being the 
custom of great ones to value things, not 
proportionable to their worth, but the 
sweat and time they cost. 

It is not safe for a secretary to mend 
the copy his master hath set him, unless 
owned as from his former inspirations, lest 
he should grow jealous that you valued 
your conceptions before his, who measures 
his sufficiency by the altitude of his em- 
ployment, not the depths of his natural 
parts. This made the Lord Chancellor 
Egerton the willinger to exchange incom- 
parable Doctor D. for the less sufficient, 
though in this more modest, Mr. T. B. 

But in case his affairs be wholly left to 
your management, you must not only look 

[97] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

to correspond for his miscarriages, but as 
obstinately renounce any honour that may 
be given you to his prejudice, imputing all 
to his single sufficiency, yourself owning 
no higher place than that of the execu- 
tioner of his commands ; for though many 
great men, like properties or puppets, are 
managed by their servants, yet such are 
most dear to them, as can so carry their 
hand in their actings, that they make them 
appear less fools than in truth they are — 
easily done, by giving them the honour to 
concede or deny in public, without inter- 
posing any other arguments against it than 
may become the mouth of a servant, how- 
ever you may order him in private. 

Court him always you hope one day to 
make use of, but at the least expense you 
can, observing the condition of men in 
power, to esteem better of such as they have 
done courtesies for, than those they have 

[98] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

received greater from, looking upon this as 
a shame, upon the other as an honour. 

Though I hope I have now reason to 
be confident you will accomplish the pre- 
sage, divers long since made of your future 
sufficiency ; yet I should advise not to ex- 
tend it to any public demonstration beyond 
the limits of your own profession — since 
the study of the law being esteemed by all 
a full employment for a whole man, if 
you should make a considerable digression 
into another calling, it might occasion a 
jealousy in your clients you had neglected 
your own. The several books incompar- 
able Bacon was known to read, besides 
those relating to the law, were objected to 
him as an argument of his insufficiency to 
manage the place of solicitor-general, and 
may lie as a rub in all their ways that 
shall, out of vain glory to manifest a gen- 
eral knowledge, neglect this caution. 

L.dFC [99] 



V R A CT I C A L WISDOM 

Avoid in your pleadings such unneces- 
sary digressions as some of the long-robe 
do ordinarily make from the merit of the 
cause to the defamation of the contrary 
partv i a quicksand wherein Coke, that 
leviathan of the law, mired his repute: 
nor could he divest this vanity after he 
was made a judge : from which height it 
cast him to the hazard of his neck, had 
not the soft nature of King James broke 
his fall. Nor doth the antiquity of it 
plead a better excuse, than that he retained 
the effeminate and weaker part, leaving 
the Roman elegancy unimitatcd. 

At a conference, to speak last is no 
small advantage, as Mr. John Hampden 
wisely observed, who made himself still 
the goal-keeper of his party, giving his 
opposite leisure to lose their reasons in the 
loud and less significant tempest, com- 
monly arising upon a first debate ; in 

[loo] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

which, if he found his side worsted, he had 
the dexterous sagacity to mount the argu- 
ment above the heads of the major part, 
whose single reason did not seldom make 
the whole parliament so far suspicious of 
their own, as to approve his, or at least 
give time for another debate, by which he 
had the opportunity to muster up more 
forces ; thus, by confounding the weaker, 
and tiring out the acuter judgments, he 
seldom failed to attain his ends. 

If you be to vote in any public assem- 
bly, avoid as much as you may, giving 
concession under your hand to any private 
man's written opinions ; for you cannot, 
without experiment, believe how much 
your own judgment will be altered, and 
how crude your former reasons will appear 
to yourself, after they are ruminated and 
digested by debate. 

Having since these wars been admitted 

[IOI] 



P R A C T I C A L WISDOM 

to councils, where many of no great ca- 
pacity have assisted, I never knew any 
thing come so exactly framed out of one 
man's sense, that did not receive a palpa- 
ble amendment from the debates of some- 
times much inferior judgments. Nav, I 
h;i\e known s ■•me that ha\ e had the for- 
tune to start the idea, which, when it 
; been presented to them again in a 
perfect result, have not been able to see 
the bottom of the wisdom of it, without 
much difficulty and admiration : neither is 
this miraculous, but natural ; for the ful- 
ler, dyer, weaver, etc., understand not 
each other's trades, vet between them all a 
d piece of cloth is made. 
Before I came to have leisure to observe 
them, I thought princes and ministers of 
state something above human — not hear- 
ing a word fall from them upon which I 
did not put a politic construction ; but 

[.02] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

growing more familiar with them, I found 
their discourses mingled with the same 
follies ours are, and their domestical 
affairs carried on with as little, if not 
less discretion sometimes than ordinary 
men's. 

He that seeks perfection on earth leaves 
nothing new for the saints to find in 
heaven ; for whilst men teach, there will 
be mistakes in divinity ; and as long as no 
other govern, errors in the state : there- 
fore be not liquorish after change, lest you 
muddy your present felicity with a future 
greater, and more sharp inconvenience. 

Religion. — Read the book of God 
with reverence, and in things doubtful 
take fixation from the authority of the 
church, which cannot be arraigned of a 
damnable error, without questioning that 
truth, which hath proclaimed her proof 
against the gates of hell. This makes me 

[ io 3] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

wish that our Samsons in success, who 
have stripped her of her ornaments (riches, 
powers and honours, which the ancient 
piety left her to cover her nakedness 
withal), and given them to vain expounders 
of riddles, may not one day have cause to 
repent, when they find themselves an- 
noyed, no less than the eyes of truth put 
out by the dust and rubbish the fall of so 
great and antique a frame is likely to 
make. Therefore be content to see your 
judgment wade rather than swim in the 
sense or the scriptures, because our deep 
plungers have been observed to bring up 
sandy assertions, and their heads wrapt 
about with the venomous weeds of error 
and schism, which may for the present 
discountenance the endeavours of modester 
learning, yet will, no doubt, sink and van- 
ish, after some time and experience had of 
their frequent mistakes, as those of our 

[104] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

bold expositors of the Revelation have 
most shamefully done. 

Despise not a profession of holiness, 
because it may be true; but have a care 
how you trust it, for fear it should be false : 
the coat of Christ being more in fashion 
than in practice, many pulpit-men, like 
physicians, forbidding their patients that 
you may ordinarily find on their own 
trenchers. 

I can approve of none for magisterial 
divinity, but that which is found floating 
in the unquestioned sense of the scriptures ; 
therefore, when cast upon a place that 
seems equally inclined to different opinions, 
I would advise to count it as bowlers do 
for dead to the present understanding, and 
not to torture the text by measuring every 
nicety, but rather turn to one more plain, 
referring to that all disputes, without 
knocking one hard place against another, 

[105] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

as they have done since this iron age, till 
an unquenchable fire of contention is 
kindled, and so many jarring and uncertain 
sounds of religion heard, as men stand 
amazed, not knowing which to follow — all 
pretending to be in the right, as if it were 
possible for truth to contradict herself. 

And yet it was no unhappy rencontre 
in him that said, c a good religion might be 
composed out of the Papists' " charity," 
the Puritans' " words," and the Protestants' 
" faith." ' For where works are thought 
too chargeable, outward profession too 
cumbersome, the third renders itself sus- 
pected ; the two first being only palpable 
to sense and reason, stand firm like a rock ; 
whereas the other shakes under the weight 
of every fancy, as Peter did when he 
walked upon the sea : to speak English, in 
good works none can be deceived but the 
doer, in valuing them too high ; in the 

[106] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

two latter, all but God, who only knows 
the heart. 

Religions do not naturally differ so much 
in themselves, as fiery and uncharitable 
men pretend, who do not seldom persecute 
those of their own creed, because they 
profess it in other terms. Then do not 
only ask thy conscience what is truth ? 
but give her full leisure to resolve thee; 
for he that goes out of the way with her 
consent, is likelier to find rest, than he 
that plods on without taking her directions. 

Therefore do nothing against the coun- 
sel of this guide, though she is observed in 
the world to render her owners obnoxious 
to the injury and deceit of all that con- 
verse without her; nothing being more 
hard and chargeable to keep than a good 
conscience. 

Let no seeming opportunity prevail so 
far upon your curiosity, as to entice you 

[107] 



PR AC T I C A L WISDOM 

to an inspection into your future fortune, 
since such inquisitiveness was never an- 
swered with good success ; the world, like 
a lottery, affording multitudes of crosses 
for one prize, which reduced all into a 
sum, must, by a necessary consequence, 
render the remainder of life tedious, in re- 
moving present felicities, to make room 
for the contemplations of future miseries. 

Do not pre-engage hope or fear by a 
tedious expectation, which may lessen the 
pleasure of the first, yet cannot but ag- 
gravate the weight of the latter, whose 
arrival is commonly with a less train of 
inconveniences, than this harbinger strives 
to take up room for; evil fortune being 
no less inconstant than good : therefore 
render not thyself giddy, by poring on 
despair, nor wanton with the contempla- 
tion of hope. 

Stamp not the impress of a divine ven- 

[108] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

geance upon the death or misfortunes of 
others, though never so prodigious, for 
fear of penning a satire against yourself, 
in case you should fall under the same 
chance : many things being taken up as 
dropped out of an immediate celestial 
hand, that fell from no higher pitch than 
where God in his providence hath placed 
such events, as wait upon all times and 
occasions, which prayers and prudence are 
not able always to shroud you from ; since 
upon a strict inquiry, it may appear, that 
in relation to this world, the godly have as 
little cause to brag, as the wicked to 
complain. 

Conclusion. — Bear always a filial rev- 
erence to your dear mother, and let not 
her old age, if she attain it, seem tedious 
unto you ; since the little she may keep 
from you, will be abundantly recompensed, 
not only by the prayers, and by the tender 

[ io 9] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

care she hath, and ever will have of you ; 
therefore in case of my death (which 
weariness of this world will not suffer me 
to adjourn, so much as by a wish), do not 
proportion your respect by the mode of 
other sons, but to the greatness of her 
desert, beyond requital in relation to us 
both. 

Continue in love and amity with your 
sister, and in case of need, help her what 
you are able ; remembering, you are of a 
piece, and hers and yours differ but in 
name ; which I presume, upon want of 
issue, will not be denied to be imposed on 
any child of hers, you shall desire to take 
for your own. 

Let no time expunge his memory that 
gave you the first tincture of erudition ; to 
which he was more invited by love than 
profit, no less than his incomparable wife : 
therefore if God make able, requite them, 

[no] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

and in the meanwhile register their names 
among those you stand most obliged to. 

What you leave at your death, let it be 
without controversy ; else the lawyers will 
be your heirs. 

Be not solicitous after pomp at my 
burial, nor use any expensive funeral cere- 
mony; by which mourners, like crows, 
devour the living under pretence of hon- 
ouring a dead carcase : neither can I ap- 
prehend a tombstone to add so great a 
weight of glory to the dead, as it doth of 
charge and trouble to the living ; none 
being so impertinent wasters, in my opin- 
ion, as those that build houses for the 
dead : he that lies under the hearse of 
heaven is convertible into sweet herbs and 
flowers, that may rest in such bosoms, as 
would shriek at the ugly bugs, that may 
possibly be found crawling in the magnifi- 
cent tomb of Henry the Seventh ; which 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

also hinders the variety of such contingent 
resurrections as unarched bodies enjoy, 
without giving interruption to that, which 
He that will not again die, hath promised 
to such as love Him and expect His ap- 
pearing. Besides, that man were better 
forgotten, who hath nothing of greater 
moment to register his name by than a 
grave. 

Neither can I apprehend such horror in 
death, as some do that render their lives 
miserable to avoid it, meeting it oftentimes 
by the same way they take to shun it. 
Death, if he may be guessed at by his 
elder brother sleep (born before he was 
thought on, and fell upon Adam ere he 
fell from his Maker), cannot be so terrible 
a messenger, being not without much 
ease, if not some voluptuousness. Be- 
sides nothing in this world is worth com- 
ing from the house-top to fetch it, much 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

less from the deep grave; furnished with 
all things, because empty of desires. 

And concerning a future account, I find 
the bill to swell rather than shrink, by 
continuance; or if a stronger propensity 
to religion resides in age, than youth 
(which I wish I had no cause to doubt of), 
it relates more to the temperature of the 
body, than an improvement of the mind ; 
and so unworthy of any other reward, 
than what is due to the effects of human 
infirmities. 

To conclude, let us serve God with 
what reverence we are able, and do all the 
good we can, making as little unnecessary 
work for repentance as is possible : and 
the mercy of our heavenly Father supply 
all our defects in the Son of his love. 
Amen. 



C"3] 



LORD BURLEIGH'S ADVICES 
TO HIS SON 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

LORD BURLEIGH'S ADVICES 

TO HIS SON 

^* 

SON ROBERT,— The virtuous incli- 
nations of thy matchless mother, by 
whose tender and godly care thy infancy was 
governed, together with thy education under 
so zealous and excellent a tutor, put me in 
rather assurance than hope, that thou art not 
ignorant of that ' summum bonum,' which 
is only able to make thee happy as well in 
thy death as in thy life ; I mean, the true 
knowledge and worship of thy Creator 
and Redeemer; without which, all other 
things are vain and miserable. So that 
thy youth being guided by so sufficient a 
teacher, I make no doubt that he will fur- 
nish thy life with divine and moral docu- 
ments. Yet, that I may not cast off the 
care beseeming a parent towards his child ; 

["7] 



P R ACT I C A L WISP M 

or th;it thou ihoilldst have cause to derive 
thv whole felicity and welfare rather from 
others than from whence thou rcceivedst 
thy breath and being; I think it tit and 
agreeable to the affection I bear thee, to 
help thee with such rules and advertise- 
ments for the squaring of thv life, as are 
rather gained by experience than by much 

reading. To the vnd^ that entering into 
this exorbitant age, thou mavest be the 
better prepared to shun those scandalous 
courses whereunto the world, and the lack 

of experience, may easily draw thee. And 
because I will not confound thv memory, 
I haw reduced them into ten precepts; 
and, next unto Moses' Tables, if thou im- 
print them in thy mind, thou shalt reap 
the benefit, and I the content. And they 
are these following : — 

I. When it shall please God to bring 
thee to man's estate, use great providence 

[..8] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

and circumspection in choosing thy wife : 
for from thence will spring all thy future 
good or evil.^J And it is an action of thy 
life, like unto a stratagem of war : wherein 
a man can err but once. If thy estate be 
good, match near home and at leisure ; if 
weak, far off and quickly. Enquire dili- 
gently of her disposition, and how her 
parents have been inclined in their youth. 
Let her not be poor, how well-born so- 
ever ; for a man can buy nothing in the 
market with gentility. Nor choose a base 
and uncomely creature altogether for 
wealth ; for it will cause contempt in 
others and loathing in thee. Neither make 
choice of a dwarf or a fool ; for thou shalt 
find it to thy great grief, that there is noth- 
ing more fulsome than a she-fool. 

And touching the guiding of thy house, 
let thy hospitality be moderate ; and, ac- 
cording to the means of thy estate, rather 

["9] 



P R A C T [CAL W I s I) o M 

plentiful than sparing, hut not costlv. Foff 
I never knew anv in.in grow poor by 
keeping an orderly table. Hut some con- 
sume them trivet through lecrel vices, and 

their hospitalit\' hears the blame. Hut 
banish swinish drunkards out of thine 
houte» which is a rice impairing health, 
lUming much, and makes no show. I 
never heard praise ascribed to the drunk- 
ard, but the well-bearing his drink ; which 
is a better commendation for a brewer's 
horse or a dravman, than tor either a gen- 
tleman, or a scr\ ing-man. Heware thou 
spend not above three of four parts of thv 
revenues J nor above a third part of that 
in thy house. For the other two parts 
will do no more than defrav thv cxtraor- 
dinaries, which alwavs surmount the ordin- 
ary by much : otherwise thou shalt live, 
like a rich beggar, in continual want. And 
the needy man can never live happilv nor 

[1,0] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

contentedly ; for every disaster makes him 
ready to mortgage or sell. And that gen- 
tleman who sells an acre of land, sells an 
ounce of credit. For gentility is nothing 
else but ancient riches. So that if the 
foundation shall at any time sink, the 
building must needs follow. So much for 
the first precept. 

II. Bring thy children up in learning 
and obedience, yet without outward aus- 
terity. Praise them openly, reprehend 
them secretly. Give them good counte- 
nance, and convenient maintenance ac- 
cording to thy ability ; otherwise thy life 
will seem their bondage, and what portion 
thou shalt leave them at thy death, they 
will thank death for it, and not thee. And 
I am persuaded that the foolish cockerings 
of some parents, and the overstern carriage 
of others, causeth more men and women 
to take ill courses, than their own vicious 

[121] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

inclinations. Marry thy daughters in 
time, lest they marry themselves. And 
suffer not thy sons to pass the Alps, for 
they shall learn nothing there but pride, 
blasphemy, and atheism. And if by travel 
they get a few broken languages, that 
shall profit them nothing more than to 
have one meat served in divers dishes. 
Neither, by my consent, shalt thou train 
them up in wars ; for he that sets up his 
rest to live by that profession, can hardly 
be an honest man, or a good Christian. 
Besides it is a science no longer in request 
than use. For soldiers in peace, are like 
chimneys in summer. 

III. Live not in the country without 
corn and cattle about thee. For he that 
putteth his hand to the purse for every 
expense of household is like him that keep- 
eth water in a sieve. And what provision 
thou shalt want, learn to buy it at the best 

[ I22 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

hand. For there is one penny saved in 
four, betwixt buying in thy need, and when 
the markets and seasons serve fittest for it. 
Be not served with kinsmen, or friends, or 
men entreated to stay ; for they expect 
much, and do little ; nor with such as are 
amorous, for their heads are intoxicated. 
And keep rather two too few, than one too 
many. Feed them well, and pay them 
the most ; and then thou mayest boldly 
require service at their hands. 

IV. Let thy kindred and allies be wel- 
come to thy house and table. Grace them 
with thy countenance, and farther them in 
all honest actions. For by this means, 
thou shalt so double the band of nature, as 
thou shalt find them so many advocates to 
plead an apology for thee behind thy back. 
But shake off those glow-worms, I mean 
parasites and sycophants, who will feed 
and fawn upon thee in the summer of 

[ 123] 



P R A C 1 [CAL w ISDOM 

pro speri ty ; but, in in id rm, they 

will shelter thee no moR than in irboui 

in winter. 

V. Beware of ruretyship For thv best 

friends. He th.it pa\eth another n 
debt, seckcth h if OWH decaj. But if thou 
canst in A Otfa . Ithef lend thv 

moi If upon good bonds, although 

thou boiTOW it. thou secure thv- 

, and pleasure thv friend. Neither 
borrow money ol bour or a friend, 

bat of a stranger ] where, paying for it, thou 

shalt hear no more of it. Otherwise thou 
shalt eclipte thv credit, lose thv freedom, 
and yet pay as dear as to another. But in 

borrowing of money, be precious of thy 

word ; for he that hath care of keeping days 
of payment, is lord of another man's purse. 

VI. Undertake no suit against a poor 

man, even with receiving much wrong: 
for besides that thou makest him thy 

[«»4] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

compeer, it is a base conquest to triumph 
where there is small resistance. Neither 
attempt law against any man, before thou 
be fully resolved that thou hast right on 
thy side ■ and then spare not for either 
money or pains. For a cause or two so 
followed and obtained, will free thee from 
suits a great part of thy life. 

VII. Be sure to keep some great man 
thy friend, but trouble him not for trifles. 
Compliment him often with many, yet 
small gifts, and of little charge. And if 
thou hast cause to bestow any great gratu- 
ity, let it be something which may be 
daily in sight. Otherwise, in this am- 
bitious age, thou shalt remain like a hop 
without a pole, live in obscurity, and be 
made a football for every insulting com- 
panion to spurn at. 

VIII. Towards thy superiors be hum- 
ble, yet generous. With thine equals, 

["5] 



P R \ ( I I C A L W I S I) () M 

familiar, rel respective. Towards thine 
infej w much humanity and tome 

ramiliaritj ; . »w the b I etch 

forth the hand, ami to uncover the bead, 

with nich lis mpliments. The 

first icement. 

The leCOnd makes thee known t'<>r a man 

well bred. The third ;ja:ns a lmmhI rc- 

v kept. 

For right hiimanitj I 
in the minds <»f the multitude, as the] 
more easily gained bj unprofitable cour- 
> than by churlish benefits. Ye* I 
k thee : • el or neglect popu- 

larity too much. Seek not to In- E* 

shun to h. 

IX. Trust not ail) man with thy lite, 

1 Of it is mere folly for 

a man to enthral himself to his friend, as 

though, occasion being ottered, he should 

not dare to become an enemv. 

[„6] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

X. Be not scurrilous in conversation, 
nor satirical in thy jests. The one will 
make thee unwelcome to all company ; 
the other pull on quarrels, and get thee 
hated of thy best friends. For suspicious 
jests, when any of them savour of truth, 
leave a bitterness in the minds of those 
which are touched. And, albeit I have 
already pointed at this inclusively ; yet I 
think it necessary to leave it to thee as a 
special caution ; because I have seen 
many so prone to quip and gird, as they 
would rather lose their friend than their 
jest. And if perchance their boiling brain 
yield a quaint scoff, they will travail to be 
delivered of it as a woman with child. 
These nimble fancies are but the froth 
of wit. 



[»7] 



SIR MATTHEW HALE'S AD- 
VICE TO HIS GRAND- 
CHILDREN 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 



SIR MATTHEW HALE'S AD- 
VICE TO HIS GRAND- 
CHILDREN 

CONCERNING Company, and 
the Choice of it. — There is a 
certain magic or charm in company, for it 
will assimilate, and make you like to them, 
by much conversation with them j if they 
be good company, it is a great means to 
make you good, or confirm you in good- 
ness ; but if they be bad, it is twenty to 
one but they will infect and corrupt you. 
And therefore you must have a special 
care in the choice of your company, es- 
pecially when you come abroad in the 
world, to Oxford, or the Inns of Court ; 
for you must know that when a young 
gentleman or gentlewoman, especially if 



[131] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

he or she have an estate or fortune, comes 
abroad in the world, especially to the Inns 
of Court, or Oxford, there are a sort of 
beasts of prey that lie in wait for them, as 
wolves and foxes lie in wait for young 
lambs, namely, a sort of necessitous and 
indigent sharks, gamesters, drinkers, and 
debauched persons ; and these will attack 
you under forty disguises, if you be not 
aware of them, and will confound you ; 
and therefore I must needs again and 
again give you warning hereof: for these 
are a sort of harpies and ravens, that pur- 
sue your very life, or at least your estates 
and reputations, and yet many times under 
pretence of love and kindness. 

First. — Therefore be very wary and 
shy in choosing, and entertaining, or fre- 
quenting any company or companions ; be 
not too hasty in committing yourself to 
them : stand off awhile till you have in- 

[132] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

quired of some that you know by experi- 
ence to be faithful, what they are ; observe 
what company they keep ; be not too 
easy to gain acquaintance, but stand off 
and keep a distance yet awhile, till you 
have observed and learnt touching them. 
Men or women that are greedy of ac- 
quaintance, or hasty in it, are oftentimes 
snared in ill company before they are 
aware, and entangled so that they cannot 
easily get loose from it after when they 
would. 

When you are sent to Oxford, you will 
be put under a tutor that is able to advise 
you. The first thing I shall do with you, 
if I live to send you to the Inns of Court, 
is to inquire and find out some person 
with whose acquaintance I dare trust you ; 
a man of discretion, fidelity, and prudence. 
Before you entertain any new acquaint- 
ance in the university, advise with your 

[133] 



PRACTICAL. WISDO M 

tutor, whether he thinks him fit for you, 
and the like you are to do with that per- 
son that I shall commend you to, when 
you come to the Inns of Court. For they 
having more experience, and more oppor- 
tunity to satisfy themselves therein, than 
you can have, will be able better to advise 
you in the choice of your company than 
you can yourselves. 

Secondly. — Do not choose for your 
friends and familiar acquaintance those 
that are of an estate or quality too much 
above yours. The inconveniences thereof 
are these. You will hereby accustom 
yourselves to live after their rate in clothes, 
in habit, and in expenses, whereby you 
will learn a fashion and rank of life above 
your degree and estate, which will in the 
end be your undoing. Or, if you live not 
up to their rate of clothes, diet, or ex- 
pense, you shall be despised both by them 

[■34] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

and others ; so that which way soever you 
take, you shall be a fool, or be esteemed 
so by all that observe you. Therefore 
give all persons of higher rank or greater 
estate than yourselves all due respect ; but 
make not choice of such for your intimate 
acquaintance, or daily companions. 

Thirdly. — On the other side, consort 
not with beggary, base or necessitous 
companions ; for these will be both to 
your discredit and disprofit ; for it is a 
thousand to one but they will make a prey 
of you. It is true, they will flatter you, 
and give you goodly titles (esquire at the 
least) ; they will set you up at the upper 
end of the table ; but the design all the 
while is to shark upon you, to make you 
pay their reckonings, and supply their 
wants. Indeed you shall be honoured by 
them, in outward appearance, as the best 
man in the company, but you must pay 

['35] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

for it, or in a little time they will despise 
you. It is a lamentable sight to see how 
young gentlemen, when they come to an 
university, or inns of court, lose them- 
selves when they are listed companions 
with stage-players, tapsters, ostlers, fiddlers, 
common gamesters, threadbare poets, serv- 
ing-men, and such like. But if a man be 
ingenuous, sober, virtuous, learned, it is 
no disparagement to have such a com- 
panion, though he be of a mean rank, or 
estate, or degree ; for you will receive 
benefit, and no discredit, by such a person's 
conversation and acquaintance. 

Fourthlv. — Bv all means avoid the 
company of quarrelsome or choleric per- 
sons, Hectors, and those that they call 
swordsmen ; for if you keep company 
with such persons, it is a thousand to one 
but you shall be quarrelled with by them, 
or engaged in their quarrels with others. 

[•36] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

It is their business to make their com- 
panions like themselves, and to instruct 
them in the methods of quarrelling. I have 
very often seen young gentlemen, by being 
only in the company of such persons, have 
been miserably entangled thereby. If a 
person be killed or hurt by them, or by 
their means, all that are in the company, 
though possibly innocent of the fact itself, 
yet are liable to be questioned, and some- 
times for their lives, for being in company 
where such disorders are committed ; and 
it is scarce possible for you to be free 
from the danger of the law, if you are in 
company of those that commit them ; for 
most assuredly you will be necessarily en- 
gaged in the quarrel, and so your lives 
may come in danger by the quarrel itself, 
or by the law, that spares no man that is 
a party in such a fact ; yea, though you 
are innocent of the fact itself, yet being 

['37] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

in that company that committed it, you 
can neither avoid the suspicion of being a 
partner in it, but you must be put upon 
your trial to clear yourself. These are the 
common and necessary inconveniences of 
such company ; and the only way to avoid 
these and the like inconveniences, is wholly 
to avoid such company. 

Fifthly. — And what I have said con- 
cerning your quarrelsome company, I say 
concerning intemperate drinkers, or de- 
bauched companions : you must avoid 
them, as you will avoid the company of 
him that is infected with the plague, and 
the reasons of it are these that follow. It 
is a thousand to one but they will corrupt 
you into the same quality and ill condition 
with themselves : there is a kind of magic 
or witchcraft in evil company, that makes 
others like themselves. They will use all 
the tricks and artifices imaginable to make 

[■38] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

you drink to excess, or debauch you, and 
when they have once got but one such 
advantage upon you, you are for ever their 
slave (without a miracle of divine provi- 
dence and grace to deliver you from them), 
for they are masters of your credit, and if 
you at any time after refuse to consort 
with them, they will publish to your friends, 
to your relations, to your enemies, to the 
world, in what a condition you were once 
in their company. And the very fear of 
having your vices published by them will 
make you their slaves, and engage you to 
hold pace with them in many disorders. 
When men are disordered with wine, or 
other liquor, they put themselves out of 
God's protection, and are laid open to the 
management of the devil ; they lose the 
conduct of their own reason, and are more 
ungovernable than brute beasts ; no vil- 
lainy comes amiss, but they are qualified 

[ x 39] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

to commit it. The places of judicature 
which I have long held in this kingdom, 
have given me opportunity to observe the 
original cause of most of the enormities 
that have been committed for the space of 
near twenty years ; and by a due observa- 
tion I have found, that if the murders and 
manslaughters, the burglaries and robber- 
ies, the riots and tumults, the adulteries, 
fornications, rapes, and other great enor- 
mities, that have happened in that time, 
were divided into five parts, four of them 
have been the issues and product of ex- 
cessive drinking at taverns, or alehouse 
meetings. Therefore, if you meet any 
person given to excess of drinking, if he 
invite you to go to a tavern or alehouse, 
or any such house of disorder, or if he be- 
gin to set you, or any else, into a posture 
of drinking, remember that your grand- 
father tells you such a person is not for 

[ J 4o] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

your company ; you must avoid him and 
his company, for he is laying a snare for 
you, to betray you into all kinds of villainy, 
to bereave you of your reputation, your 
estate, your innocence, to withdraw you 
from your duty to God, to put you out of 
his blessing and protection, to make you a 
perpetual slave, to expose you to all kind 
of enormities and mischiefs, and solicits 
you to unman yourself, and put you into 
a baser rank of beings than the very brutes 
themselves. If you yield to such solicita- 
tions, it is a thousand to one but you are 
undone. 

But if you have that resolution and 
courage to deny them at first, and to de- 
cline such companions and solicitations, 
these vermin and pests will give you over, 
as not for their purpose ; and if they do 
persist in it, yet such a resolute denial by 
you against their company and practices, 

[141] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

will enable you with more and more cour- 
age and success to reject them thereafter, 
and to make their attempts to pervert you 
insignificant and Ineffectual. 

Sixthly. — Avoid that company that you 
find or observe are given to profane swear- 
ing or cursing, to blaspheme God, or the 
Holy Scriptures ; that choose to make 
demonstration of their wit, by making 
jests of the Scripture phrases or passages, 
by deriding of religion or religious persons. 
This is a pitiful, sordid indication or em- 
ployment of wit. Commonly such per- 
sons, whatever they pretend to, are indeed 
bold and confident enough, but yet of 
narrow, unfurnished understandings, and 
are the rankest fools in the world. 

Seventhly. — But make choice of those 
for your companions and confidants, that 
are sober, prudent, frugal, pious, and 
learned ; such men's discourse, conversa- 

[ 142] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

tion, and example, will habituate you to 
virtue, wisdom, and goodness, as much 
and oftentimes much more than a man's 
own reading and observation. Such a con- 
versation makes your time as profitably 
spent in their company as at your book, 
and will confirm and establish you in ways 
of piety and virtue. 

I have observed among young men, that 
possibly are not vicious nor given to any 
ill course, the kinds of choice of company. 
Some affect such company as are younger 
than themselves, and are such as have less 
learning, prudence, or understanding, than 
they themselves have ; and this they do, 
not so much to inform and better them, 
for then it is a worthy design, but out of a 
natural desire to be the best, and the wis- 
est, and the learnedest in the company 
they choose, and to overmatch any of 
them therein. But this is, though a harm- 

[143] 



P R ACT1CAL W I S D O M 

less, yet an imprudent choice of company ; 
for such a man shall never advance much 
in knowledge, wisdom, or goodness, that 
COnveneth only with such as are no pro- 
ficients therein. There he that choose 
such for their companions, that are equals 
in age, and parts, or education, to them 5 
and this is a much better choice than the 
former ; because natural emulation in 
equals many times advanceth learning and 
wisdom, and goodness, especially if there 
be a wise inspector and superintendent to 
all the company ; and besides, equality of 
age and education seems a common 
natural invitation to consortship and ac- 
quaintance, and therefore it is by no means 
wholly to be condemned, but rather much 
to be cherished, if they are no otherwise 
than good and virtuous. Again, there be 
others that neither disdain the company of 
inferiors either in age or parts, nor decline 

[ J 44] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

conversation with their equals, and do yet 
choose a more intimate acquaintance and 
assiduity of conversation with those that 
are more ripe than themselves in learning, 
in age, in experience, in wisdom, pru- 
dence, piety, and virtue. 

And certainly there is a great advan- 
tage to young gentlemen and gentlewomen 
in this kind of choice ; because it gives 
them many greater advantages, both by 
instruction and example, than the other 
choices ; and the advances of virtue and 
goodness are attained hereby with greater 
security and stability, and with greater 
and readier opportunities. 

And therefore, where the companies are 
innocent and good, though I would not 
have you despise the conversation of your 
inferiors, nor neglect the conversation of 
your equals in age and proficiency, yet I 
do advise you to make that your most 

[««] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

eligible company that exceed you in age, 
learning, and experience, and choose out 
of that number a person for your principal 
confidant, and intimate acquaintance, still 
taking care that he be a sober, pious, and 
virtuous man. 

Eighthly. — You must take notice that 
there is a great difference to be made be- 
tween these three — namely, an acquaint- 
ance, a companion, an intimate friend. 
For I may choose such a man for my 
acquaintance, which yet I would not choose 
to make my ordinary companion ; and 
such a man for my ordinary companion, 
which yet I would not make my choice 
and intimate friend ; so that such a friend- 
ship is of a narrower consideration than 
an ordinary companion, and such a com- 
panion is of a narrower consideration than 
an acquaintance. Therefore, although I 
would not have you too hasty in being 

[146] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

acquainted, nor yet to multiply your ac- 
quaintance too much, for that may be 
troublesome, chargeable, and inconvenient 
to you ; and although in the choice of 
your acquaintance, I would have you avoid 
all such kind of persons as I have before 
in this chapter warned you to forbear, yet 
I cannot advise you better, especially when 
you come to some ripeness of age, than 
to propound to you that course, which I 
knew an excellent person to observe, who, 
though he made choice of few ordinary 
companions, and fewer intimate friends, 
yet did single out some for acquaintance, 
that might be useful to him in all the con- 
cerns and instances of his life : he selected 
such or such a person for his physician or 
apothecary ; such or such a person for his 
lawyer or attorney : such a person for ad- 
vice or assistance in building, surveying, 
planting, husbandry and the like ; and in 

[147] 



J 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

this used a great deal of prudence in his 
choice ; and as any occasions offered 
themselves, so he applied severally to 
those men for their assistance, and was 
not to seek for advice or assistance upon 
any such emergency : and of these, as he 
made his choice with great consideration 
and prudence, so he rarely changed those 
he had thus chosen for their assistance 
upon variety of occasions. And this may 
be convenient to be done by any man of 
estate and business in the world. 

Concerning your Carriage to your 
Inferiors, Superiors, and Equals. — 
Before I shall fall to particulars, I shall 
spend a few words in general, touching 
your carriage to all men. 

First. — You must know, that there is 
no person that lives, but may, at some 
time or other, have occasion to make use 
of another's help and assistance or kind- 

[ I4 8] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

ness ; and there is not the meanest person 
in the world, but one time or other may 
have an opportunity of doing you a kind- 
ness or assistance. 

Secondly. — You must know there is no 
person in the world, though seemingly 
never so vile an object, but one time or 
other may have power or opportunity to 
do you a mischief, or procure you some 
notable inconvenience : these are truths 
that are most certain, though too little 
thought upon or minded by most men; 
therefore it will be your wisdom to keep a 
common fair carriage to all people of all 
ranks, and to make to yourself as few 
enemies as you can ; still remembering 
this saying of mine, that there is not the 
meanest person in the world, but once in 
your lifetime you may some way or other 
stand in need of his help, or that one time 
or other may have power and opportunity 

[*49] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

to do you a mischief; and therefore it will 
be your wisdom to oblige as many as you 
can, without detriment to yourself, and to 
disoblige none without great necessity. 
Esop's fables, though they seem but light 
and trivial, yet many of them contain ex- 
cellent morals; I shall mention two to 
this purpose. 

A little ant being fallen into the water, 
and like to be drowned, a pigeon flying by, 
and observing the ant's extremity, let fall 
a little branch into the water to relieve the 
ant, upon which she got, and so saved 
herself and got to the land. A short time 
after, a fowler aimed to shoot the pigeon : 
the little ant being near at hand, and re- 
membering the kindness the pigeon had 
showed her, and observing the design of 
the fowler, bit him by the foot, whereby 
the fowler lost his aim and the pigeon 
escaped. 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Again he tells us, that a lion sleeping 
in the forest, a little mouse running up 
and down awakened and so angered the 
lion, that the lion in a rage clapped his 
paw upon the mouse, intending to have 
crushed him : the fable tells us the mouse 
entreated the lion to spare him ; for, said 
he, if thou kill me, it is but an inglorious 
act for a lion to kill a mouse, but if thou 
spare me, it is possible it may be to thy 
advantage ; the lion thereupon let him go. 
Shortly after the lion was taken in a net 
that the hunters laid for him, and could by 
no means extricate himself; but the mouse 
passing by, and remembering the former 
kindness of the lion, bit asunder the 
threads of the net, and so delivered the 
lion. 

The fables show us these few observa- 
bles : that many times small and incon- 
siderable instruments may procure great 

['Si] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

benefits to a person far above them ; and 
that an easy and cheap kindness may sit 
so close to the memory and mind of an- 
other, that it may procure from an incon- 
siderable instrument such a benefit as far 
exceeds such a kindness. 

Therefore I would have you constantly 
observe these general ruLs : 

First. — Never provoke the most incon- 
siderable person in the world unnecessa- 
rily, or where you can possibly avoid it ; for 
thereby you make an enemy which may 
have an opportunity to revenge himself, 
and to do you a great displeasure. 

Secondly. — And therefore use no con- 
tumelious words or language unnecessarily 
of any man, nor any reproachful, slighting, 
or despising carriage towards him, neither 
deal injuriously with him : remember the 
old proverb, * a dog will have a day.' 

Thirdly. — Oblige as many as you can 

[*S«] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

have occasion to converse withal, with 
such kindness as may well stand with 
your condition to bear or perform. There 
is a sort of kindness that does not cost a 
man much to do, which yet hath a great 
influence upon the affections of men, and 
a man shall be certainly a gainer and not 
a loser in doing them : as for instance, the 
putting off the hat to an inferior; kind 
words to him, or of him ; forgiving and 
passing by some small trespass ; lending a 
small matter to a man that wants, nay, 
sometimes bestowing it freely ; relieving a 
stranger or necessitous person with an 
alms ; and a hundred such small kindnesses 
may be performed without any damage to 
him that doth them, and yet many times 
it procures a return of far greater advan- 
tage. I do not mean those rank kind- 
nesses that unreasonable men will expect, 
as to become bound for a man, or to lend 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

or give him more than a man is able \ for 
as touching such I shall give you a caution 
hereafter ; but I speak of those ordinary, 
easy, familiar kindnesses and respects, 
which may be performed without any con- 
siderable damage to yourself. 

And in showing of these kindnesses, I 
would have you perform them cheerfully 
and readily, and they will oblige the more. 
It is a true saving of old Sir Francis Bacon, 
that for the most part, men are more taken 
with unprofitable courtesies than with 
churlish benefits. 

Fourthly. — There is no one thing in 
the world that doth make a man more 
enemies, or doth disoblige more, than a 
proud and haughty carriage ; it is a thing 
that gives a general distaste to all man- 
kind, and to all dispositions ; to poor and 
to rich, to great and to small, to them that 
are humble, and to them that are proud as 

['54] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

they ; and as it makes a man many ene- 
mies, so it gives his enemies a great ad- 
vantage against him, it makes a man ridic- 
ulous, and exposeth a man not only to 
hazard, but also to contempt and scorn. 

On the other hand, a decent yet humble 
deportment, especially in a man of worth, 
place, and estate, makes almost every man 
his friend ; but certainly it makes no man 
his enemy. 

Therefore in all your deportment and 
carriage, avoid pride, haughtiness, arro- 
gancy, contempt of others; and let your 
carriage be gentle, courteous, and with a 
decent and becoming humility to all men. 

It is true, the demonstration of humility 
is not of one and the same standard or 
measure unto persons of differing qualities ; 
namely, to superiors and inferiors. A man 
of a truly humble spirit and humble car- 
riage is not bound to show the same ex- 

[i5S] 



PRACTICAL WISDO M 

ternal tokens of respect to a beggar as to 
a prince ; to a servant, as to his master : 
but still there must be a real humility, and 
perfect avoiding of pride in every instance ; 
though the external demonstration of that 
humility may, and must be varied, accord- 
ing to the variety of the condition of the 
person whom it concerns. I stand bare 
in the presence-chamber of the king; but 
I do not so in the presence-chamber of a 
lord. I stand bare to a great man, I put 
of? my hat only to an equal, but I do 
neither to one that begs an alms of me; 
yet I may in all use the same humility of 
mind, and also of deportment, though 
under a different ceremony and external 
gesture. Custom hath made a difference, 
and so may an humble man, and yet still 
be the same humble man in all those dif- 
fering external postures, and as free from 
pride, not only in his mind but also in his 

[156] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

carriage, when he talks with a beggar, as 
with a prince. 

And you must take this always along 
with you as a great truth, that pride, or 
haughtiness of mind or carriage, is not 
only displeasing to men, but displeasing to 
the great God of heaven and earth. I do 
not in my remembrance find any expres- 
sion in the Holy Scriptures, declaring so 
much indignation of the glorious God 
against any one sin, as against pride. 
1 Surely he scorneth the scorners, but he 
giveth grace unto the lowly ' : which text is 
rendered by St. James and by St. Peter, 
1 God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace 
to the humble.' The God of heaven sets 
himself against the proud, to abase and 
bring them down. A proud man hath 
the great God of heaven and earth for his 
enemy and opposer : and no man, no 
prince, no angel, can bear up against his 

[157] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

opposition, which will most certainly 
overmatch him. The short of all this 
general direction is this : I would have 
you have but few intimate familiar friends 
in whom you repose, especially, trust and 
confidence ; but yet have as many friends 
at large as you can, and as few enemies, 
and order your conversation accordingly. 

Now as to the particular directions. 
And first, in relation to your inferiors. 

Avoid in an especial manner all con- 
tentions, as much as you can, with in- 
feriors ; rather forgive and pass by a small 
injury than use any revenge, even by 
court of law or otherwise ; for if you pre- 
vail, you shall gain little by your victory 
where there is little to make recompense; 
and you shall be counted an oppressor, or 
at best, a very hard and cruel man ; but if 
you be worsted, it will cast a very great 
contempt upon you, to be overmatched by 

[158] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

your inferior. But if the case be of such 
a nature that you are in a manner enforced 
to repair yourself against an injury com- 
mitted by your inferior (or indeed by any 
person) ; observe that you make not your- 
self your own judge or avenger, but com- 
plain to the civil magistrate. When you 
have gotten the better upon such a com- 
plaint, do not prosecute *an inferior to the 
utmost extremity, but take a reasonable 
satisfaction ; or if he be very poor, forgive 
it altogether : you have this great advan- 
tage by it, that by how much the more it 
was in your power to use your advantage 
upon him, by so much the more your 
mercy and goodness in forgiving him will 
appear and oblige him to you, and not 
only make him cautious of injuring you 
for the future, but also the more ready to 
serve you in all offices of kindness. 
Overmuch familiarity will make them 

[ -'59 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

contemn and despise you, and on the other 
side too much superciliousness and strange- 
ness to them will make them hate you ; 
and therefore you must be careful to avoid 
both extremes, and to that end keep a 
decent distance ; but yet with demonstra- 
tion of kindness, affability, and respect to 
them, according to their quality and 
condition. 

For instance, in relation to your ser- 
vants, if you be too familiar with them, 
they will quickly be your fellows ; and on 
the other side, if you be over-imperious, 
insolent, and churlish to them, they will 
hate you, or at best will never love you, 
nor be very faithful to you ; you must 
therefore take care that you carry your- 
selves towards them neither as your fel- 
lows nor your slaves, but with a distance, 
yet a decent and becoming distance, carry- 
ing with it a suitable respect to them ; and 

[160] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

by this means they will both fear and love 
you. Never use any words or carriage, 
that may savour of contumely, reproach, 
or scorn, to the most inferior persons in 
the world, no, not to a beggar. If you do 
not give them an alms, tell them so, but 
give no reproachful words to the meanest 
person in the world. 

In relation to your equals observe riiese 
directions : Be courteous" and respectful to 
them both in words and gestures ; offer 
them the precedence, and take not place 
of an equal, unless it be earnestly pressed 
upon you; for such a small trifle will 
procure you many friends, and will not 
abate any thing of your respect. It is a 
foolish and ridiculous thing for any man 
or woman to be contending or shuffling 
for precedence. Give it to any, rather 
than take it against their mind. It will 
not abate the value that others will have 



[161] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

of you, and among wise and discreet per- 
sons it will give you the reputation of a 
discreet person. In your choice of a 
companion, rather choose an equal than 
an inferior or superior. But touching 
this, I shall say more in the next general 
head. 

In relation therefore to superiors. Su- 
periors are in seversl kinds : as superiors 
in age ; superiors in estates ; superiors in 
authority, as magistrates ; superiors in 
place, as noblemen; superiors in relation, 
' as parents, husbands, masters : and touch- 
ing your carriage to all superiors, observe 
these directions. 

First. — Give all due respect and rever- 
ence to your superiors ; as by uncovering 
the head, making obeisance, giving them 
the place and precedence, giving them 
leave to speak before you, not catching 
the words out of their mouths before they 

[i6»] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

have done speaking, as the fashion of some 
giddy people is. These, and the like 
demonstrations of respect, cost you noth- 
ing, and yet many times are of great ad- 
vantage, and always are well taken. 

Secondly. — Contend not with a superior 
about a trifle, but rather pass it by without 
taking notice of it ; neither willingly upon 
any account go to law with them, unless 
it be upon a great injury, and such as 
your condition or estate cannot well bear; 
and even in such cases use all due applica- 
tion, either by yourself or by the media- 
tion of others, to compose the difference ; 
for as always lawsuits are troublesome, 
and hazardous, and expensive, so they are 
much more such, where an inferior con- 
tends with a superior in estate, place, or 
authority ; for if you are worsted, you are 
in danger to be over-run by the power of 
the adversary, and though you prevail and 



['63] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

have the better in the suit, yet you make 
him an implacable enemy, that will be 
always watching an opportunity to be quits 
with you, and, one time or other, it is a 
thousand to one but he will do you a dis- 
pleasure. Therefore let your suit at law, 
with a man greater or more powerful than 
yourself, be your last refuge, and that in 
case of great and extreme necessity. 

Thirdlv. — Never make a man that is 
much your superior in wealth or honour 
your ordinary companion, for the reasons 
given before in the foregoing chapter. 

Fourthly. — Visit your superior at his 
house sometimes, to testify your respect ; 
but let it be very seldom, and that not at 
meals, but in an afternoon : for your often 
visits will be but troublesome; and your 
visiting at meals, besides other inconven- 
iences, will draw you into this great one, 
that you will draw the like inconvenience 

[i6 4 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

upon yourself, in which if you do not 
equal his, it will make you ridiculous ; and 
if it do equal his, it will be too chargeable 
for you to bear. 

And what I say touching visits of su- 
periors, I would have you observe as to 
equals ; for one entertainment invites an- 
other, which if it fall out often, will be 
not only a perpetual trouble, but an occa- 
sion of excessive expense. If my friend 
come to me to eat with me uninvited, he 
must content himself with welcome, and 
what he finds ; but if it once come to an 
invitation, the preparation must be more 
costly than ordinary, or it answers not 
expectation. 

Fifthly. — And therefore never invite 
any great man to your house to an enter- 
tainment ; for possibly his ordinary meals 
are as good as your feast, or better, and 
then you shall be laughed at for your par- 

[165] 



P R A C T I C A L W I S I) O M 

Simony ; and if vow go to exceed, you 
shall be laughed at for \ our prodigalitv ; 
however your puree shall surfer beyond 
what it is wi 11 able to bear. 

ily, — Never receive any kindness 

•i any man, either superior or equal, 

whuh you are not able to repay without 

j and detriment to yourself; for 

thru you are in very great danger to be 
made his slave or his enemy: and, many 
tim< kindnesses from great men are 

but preambles to some great kindness to 
be done to them, and if they are disap- 
pointed therein they become the most 
bitter enemies. I have oftentimes known, 
when extraordinary respect and favours or 
kindnesses are shown from great men to 
their inferiors, that within a little time 
after, a message hath been sent, or desire 
made to be bound for him or to sell him 
such a parcel of land that lies convenient 

[166] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

for him, or to do him such piece of ser- 
vice as is either unseemly or dangerous; 
and then the man that received the kind- 
ness is either so taken or mollified by the 
kindness received, that he must perform 
that which is requested ; or if he be so 
hardy as to deny it, the great man becomes 
his great enemy. Therefore be wary how 
you receive great kindnesses from great 
men, lest they be attended with an ex- 
pectation of such services from you, as 
are either unfit, or unsafe, or inconvenient 
to be performed by you. 

Seventhly. — It is an excellent rule of 
Sir F/ancis Bacon to his son, that if there 
be occasion for an inferior to make a 
present to his superior, that it be not too 
costly, nor such as is in danger to be 
quickly forgotten; but the present to be 
small, and such as may have continuance 
and always in view, as some slight picture, 

[167] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

or a staff, or a book : but never present a 
judge with any thing of what kind soever; 
for if he be wise and just, he will suspect 
your business, and reject your present as a 
bribe; and if he be unjust and receive 
your present, you may be overcome by 
your adversary, and so lose your gift and 
your cause too : and bribery is a base 
offence, both in the giver and in the taker. 
And thus much shall serve touching 
your civil deportment to your inferiors, 
equals, and superiors. 



[168] 



ADVICE OF WILLIAM, EARL 
OF BEDFORD, TO HIS SONS 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 



ADVICE OF WILLIAM, EARL 
OF BEDFORD, TO HIS SONS 

IGNORANCE and vice are the usual 
effects of an unlearned and undis- 
ciplined education. Of my passionate 
desire to free you and your brother from 
both these, I suppose I have given you 
and the world sufficient testimony, sure I 
am, I have satisfied myself \ and you may 
guess how violent my longings are to ad- 
vance your piety and understanding, that 
is, to render you perfect men, in that, 
death is only displeasing, when I think of 
dying before I see this my desire accom- 
plished, or at least so far as my hopes may 
be greater than my fears : and as death 
every day makes his approaches nearer 
and nearer (God knows how soon he will 



t'7i] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

make a long separation between us) ; and 
in this other regard too, that whilst I live 
I shall always be with thee. Be this, then, 
received, either as a legacy for the will of 
a dying, or the advice of a living father, if 
it be observed or obeyed in either capacity, 
I shall think myself neither dead nor ab- 
sent ; I put it into your hands with a 
prayer, that God will give it his blessing, 
and then you have mine. 

It was the wisest saying of the wisest 
man, The fear of God is the beginning of 
wisdom. Holiness then is the introduc- 
tion of all wisdom ; so it shall be the first 
of my advice, fear God, and if holiness 
give knowledge, knowledge will give thee 
happiness, long life, riches, and honour. 
Length of days is in the right hand of 
wisdom, and in her left hand are riches 
and honour, said the wise King : how ex- 
alted a thing, then, is religion, which is 

['72] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

the mother of so great blessings, and who 
will pity thy complaints for the want of 
any of these, if they be obtained by the 
pleasure of (that which will also crown 
thee with heaven) an holy life ; be pious, 
and thou art all these ; fear God, and thou 
shalt not fear man, or devil, for it will set 
thee above the reach of fortune, or malice. 
Religion. — For thy religion, distinguish 
not thyself by, be not factious for, nor 
serve under any sect whatsoever ; be thou 
a Christian, the most pure, certain, noblest 
worshipper of God of all others. But if 
thou art pressed to give up thy name to 
any one profession, inquire after and em- 
brace that whose principles conduce most 
to piety, that which comes nearest the 
doctrine of Christ. And in the examina- 
tion of questions in religion, though I am 
no divine, yet I dare venture to guide 
your conscience thus far. Be careful still 

[*73] 



P R ACTICAL WISDO M 

to search into the consequences of a doc- 
trine ; rely upon the Scriptures, which are, 
without exposition, plain, and which, if 
they offer injury to the attributes of God, 
rendering them such as we should abhor 
ourselves to be, or if thev open the gate to 
looseness and profaneness, by no means 
give them entertainment. Lastly, labour 
diligently to and the truth when God shall 
enable you with abilities for that great 
work, for I would not have you owe your 
religion to your education only ; and for 
your encouragement to the search of this 
truth, heed fully remember the most excel- 
lent saying of our blessed Saviour, c If any 
man will do his will, he shall know of 
the doctrine whether it be of God or man/ 
God never denied himself to him that 
sought him by prayer and holiness of life. 
And when you have thus happily found 
this divine truth, embrace it sincerely, and 

['74] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

follow it constantly, and be sure to give it 
honour by your conversation. 

Loyalty. — Next to the fear of God, 
the Apostle commands honour to the King, 
which if it be not the sum of the second 
table, as the other is of the first, it cannot 
be denied to be the principal and main 
pillar thereof. And let me tell thee, if 
thou dost honour thy father and thy 
mother, thou canst neither be rebel nor 
schismatic, disloyal to the sovereign power, 
or disobedient to the church. 

Duty to Parents. — As for your duty 
to me, I doubt not but it will grow up 
with your understanding ; and when you 
know how nice and curious my care hath 
been over your education, even to the least 
circumstance, my prying into your inclina- 
tion, observing the bent of your soul, her 
very first putting forth, heightening the 
good, and checking the ill, placing guards 

[175 j 



P R A C T 1CAL W 1SDQM 

upon your senses and conversation, not 
only pointing out the way to virtue, by 
putting your feet into it, and teaching you 
to tread it (I speak not of fashioning or 
adorning your bodv, for I would not have 
you to measure my love and care by gay 
clothes, nobk- diet, and recreation, though 
you enjoyed these in some measure) ; when 
you come to know and judge of this, I 
have reason to expect, and therefore may 
boldly challenge, that if you were to choose 
a father, you would seek me out. Should 
you now so behave yourself, that as if I 
were to choose a son, to adopt a gentle- 
man into my family to inherit my name 
and fortunes, you only I should pitch 
upon ; besides the joy of beholding it, I 
should have a requital even to my wish. 
Nor were it possible for you to die in my 
debt for your education, if you observe 
this, with like care to bring up your chil- 

[■76] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

dren also, if it shall please God to give 
you that blessing ; and because I have an 
ambition to oblige posterity, I do here 
charge this duty upon you, that you also 
lay the like charge upon yours, and they 
on their children successively. For in- 
genuous manners first made us noble, 
marked out and advanced our family first 
to honour; with equal reason and more 
facility, will such manners preserve us 
noble, which is most certainly effected by 
education, otherwise the estate I leave 
you will be but as rich trappings upon an 
ass, and render you more ridiculous : 
wherefore, whatsoever you leave your 
heirs (and now I speak to your posterity 
in you), be sure to give them a learned 
and liberal education ; there being, in my 
judgment, no other way to secure you 
from falling from honour, and the despite 
of fortune. This which I have said con- 

[ r 77] 



P R A C T ICAL WISDOM 

cerning your duty to me, is also applicable 
to the memory of your excellent mother, 
for a personal observance you cannot pay 
her. I most strictly charge you often to 
call to mind, that you and your brother 
have entered into a solemn engagement 
unto me, under your hands, to imitate the 
honours and excellencies of that dear saint, 
the best of wives, the best of mothers and 
friends. Be religious in the performance 
of it, as you expect my blessing. Re- 
member she had more pangs in your 
bringing up, than bringing forth, and she 
hath been an excellent nurse to your mind, 
regarding more the health and straitness of 
that, than of your body, though this were 
cared for with the greatest tenderness 
imaginable. The truth is, you owe her 
so much, that you cannot clear your ob- 
ligation by any other way ; nothing can 
discharge you, and acquit you to her also, 

[178] 






PRACTICAL WISDOM 

but by being such to yours, as she has 
been to you, and thus her memory is hon- 
oured, and I profess myself satisfied. 

Affection to Brothers and Sisters. 
— As for your carriage towards your 
brothers and sisters, I must need say, that 
your natural kindness towards them now, 
gives me great hopes that you will be a 
loving brother hereafter. And be so, as 
you expect the blessing of God, and my 
favour. Besides, your interest will require 
this from you, because a numerous, 
wealthy, and ancient family, entire, and 
agreeing within itself with all its depend- 
ants and relatives, cannot easily be 
wronged in such a country as this. I know 
very well how little it can suffer, and how 
much it can do ; but then it must be as I 
said, entire. The dying father's bundle 
of arrows in the fable, has an excellent 
moral, to show how invincible love and 

[179] 



P R A C T 1CAL WIS I) M 

union arc. Ami that you mav rightlv un- 
derstand me, this love of \<>urs to them, 
must not only be in affectionate words, 
kind entertainment, and the like, hut in a 
hearty real performance of all good offices 
that mav tend to the advantage of their 
estates and reputation ; study to do them 
good, and stav not for opportunities of- 
fered, snatch them rather and prevent 
their Irishes. This is a noble way of 
obliging, and bv this means you mav make 
them your friends, a dearer name by far 
than that of brother or sister, and which, 
perhaps, may be repaid to vours, though 
yourself mav not need the return; for I 
must tell you, kind offices have been re- 
membered when the bestower has been 
rotten : and a grandchild hath been thanked, 
sometimes relieved, for the grandfather's 
kindness : insomuch as the courtesy to 
your brother may prove a charitv to your 

[180] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

child, think seriously of this, and remem- 
ber it. But that I may be thoroughly 
understood in this advice, your love doth 
not end here, and I am not fully obeyed 
if you only love them in that manner as I 
have expressed : you must endeavour that 
they love one another also ; to this end, 
be sure to put out the fire of discontent, if 
any appear, or but the smoke thereof, 
presently, so soon as it doth appear, and 
be careful to put it quite out, for smoth- 
ered discontents break out afterwards with 
more violence. And herein after my de- 
cease, you are to show the authority of a 
father, as well as the love of a brother to 
your family ; for which purpose, you ought 
to enable yourself with those abilities of 
understanding and judgment, that you may 
be a person fit to be sought unto, and to 
be relied upon. This will give you author- 
ity, and upon a presumption, these both 

[181] 



P R A C I [CAL W I S I) () M 

sides will he inclined to rest and settle, 

being confident that your equal affection 

will n».t suffer \mi to deceive them, nor 

your sound reason to be deceived yourself. 

A i i > Kindrmj. — This advice 

I must carry also into my next particular 
th.it concerns your kindled, which, tor the 

former reasons, you must also labour to 

preserve in unity, at least the major and 
better part of them, and it will require a 

very good skill, but once happily effected, 
it must needs bring ll reputation. 

Let your outward deportment be full of 

respect to all vour kindred, but reserve 
to yourself S secret mark and character of 
each. And take heed of suffering them 
to come within you, yet thrust them not 
off; gentleness, hut managed with discre- 
tion, will be sometimes necessarv ; yet 
distance and gravity must presentlv step 
in to secure it from presumption, and pro- 

[182] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

tect it from abuse. I should say more 
concerning this, but I refer you to my 
more secret instructions, where you shall 
have, God enabling me, a particular of 
those friends and servants to your family, 
whose counsels you may follow, and whose 
service you may trust. 

You are now setting your foot into the 
world, but before you place it, look about 
you, and consider that you can hardly set 
it but upon a snare, or a thorn, which calls 
upon you both for care, and courage : with 
these, take my experience for your guide ; 
and, if you follow not my directions ex- 
actly, which free you from all danger, yet 
tread as near as you can, you shall suffer 
the less ; slip you may, fall you cannot. 

Manners. — I have observed that the 
greatest mischief to our manners, proceed- 
eth from a mistake of the nature of things ; 
learn, therefore, first to make a right judg- 

[183] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

ment of things ; esteem not a feather, and 
slight a jewel ; know that nothing is beauti- 
ful, great, or your own, but only virtue 
and piety ; riches are not great revenues, 
noble houses, money, or plate ; but not to 
want that which is necessary to support a 
moderate and ingenuous condition : that 
glory, is to be well spoken of for doing 
good ; honour, a reverence for being vir- 
tuous ; power and command, an ability to 
oblige noble persons ; nobility, heroic 
actions, or to be like noble ancestors : 
generosity, a natural inclination to virtue ; 
health, such a constitution of the body as 
renders the mind vigorous ; beauty, a fair 
soul lodged in no unhandsome body; 
strength, not to be weary in virtuous 
actions ; pleasure, those pure, firm, lasting 
delights, which arise from those things 
alone which belong to the understanding 
and soul. All which definitions of things 

[i8 4 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

are clean contrary to the vulgar concep- 
tions, and, consequently, not to be ex- 
pected in their practice. 

Thy birth hath separated thee from the 
people ; let thy actions also carry thee, 
and raise thee above them ; suspect all 
things they admire ; neither think their 
opinion, nor live their manners. They 
know not how to set upon each thing its 
due price and value : learn you to do it, 
and accustom thyself betimes to entertain 
right and sound opinions, that they may 
grow up with thee, and by using thyself 
to think well, thou mayest soon come to 
do well ; and by frequency of well-doing 
it will, it may, at last become so habitual 
and natural, as that thou canst not but do 
well, thou canst not do otherwise ; or if 
at any time you do ill, it may appear to be 
by constraint, or force, rather than from 
inclination. After you are able to judge 

[i8 S ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

of things, and have kept off the servile 
yoke which opinion hath laid upon most 
men, by imposing false names, and gov- 
erning the world by that cheat, and that 
you can plainly see a rich man to want 
those things which he has, and a high 
content in poverty, discern a great man in 
all his liberty, chained like a slave to his 
lusts and idleness, and another free in his 
fetters : this done, to fit you for conversa- 
tion, receive these following directions. 
First, because the eye doth make the first 
report of the man, and as she tells her 
tale, so for the most part the presence is 
liked or disliked, sometimes very unjustly. 
To avoid prejudice, be sure to put your- 
self into good fashion ; and, without flat- 
tery, I may tell you, but do not hear it 
without thankfulness to God, you have a 
body every way fit to bear a graceful 
presence, answerable to your rank and 

[186] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

quality. But take heed of affectation and 
singularity, lest you act the nobleman 
instead of being one. And whether you 
stand, sit, or move, let it be with such a 
becoming, pleasing gravity, as that your 
very behaviour may commend you, and 
prevail for a good opinion with the be- 
holder. Before you speak, let your mind 
be full of courtesy ; the civility of the 
hat, a kind look, or a word from a person 
of honour, has bought that service which 
money could not. And he that can gain 
or preserve a friend, and the opinion of 
civility, for the moving of the hat, or a 
gentle look, and will not, is sillily severe ; 
spare not to spend that which costs noth- 
ing ; be liberal of them, but be not prodi- 
gal, lest they become cheap. I remember 
Sir Francis Bacon calls behaviour the gar- 
ment of the mind ; it is well resembled, 
and rightly expresses the behaviour I 



[187] 



P R A CT [CAL WISDOM 

would have in proportion to a garment. 
It must be fit, plain, and rich, useful and 
fashionable. I should not have advised 
vou to such a regard of your outside, the 
mott trifling part of man, did I not know 
how much the greatest part of the world 
aided by it, and what notable advan- 
tages are gained therein , even upon some 
vcrv wise men ; the request of an accept- 
able person being seldom, or at least un- 
willingly, denied. Yet take heed of mind- 
ing your behaviour too much, lest it pilfer 
from your consideration, and hinder action. 
It is at best but a letter of commendation, 
or, like a master of ceremonies, presents 
you to have audience. If something be 
not well said or done, vou are but a hand- 
some picture, the pageant or show of a 
man. 

Language. — The next thing that fits 
you for conversation, and is, indeed, chiefly 

[iSS] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

to be laboured for, is a graceful manner of 
speaking in a distinct, well-tuned voice 
without stammering, lisping, stopping, or 
repetition. And let these be your rules 
and caution in discourse ; be sparing of 
speech ; some do it to be suspected for 
wise men, yet do you speak sometimes 
that you may not be thought a fool. But 
let the little you utter be very much to the 
purpose, and, therefore, frame it within, 
before you set it forth, still observing the 
point of your discourse, and go to that 
directly. If it be a knot, untie it skilfully ; 
always have respect to a grey-haired ex- 
perience, and famed understanding, if such 
a one be present. 

Let your language be clear, proper, 
significant, and intelligible, fitted to the 
subject, which, as near as you can, should 
be according to the humour of the persons 
you converse with. And this being 

[i8 9 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

various, it is requisite that your abilities 
be various also. As in all things else, so 
in this of speech, be a strict observer of 
decorum. Speak not scholastically to a 
lady, nor courtly to a plain man. And 
take heed of surfeiting the ears of your 
hearers, seeing that the best discourse, like 
sweetmeats, quickly cloys, if it become 
constant food; and like perpetual music, 
loses its charms. Therefore, still leave 
your company in an appetite to hear more, 
baiting them sometimes with short offers, 
so cunningly as that they may invite you, 
and press you to speak on : did I fear in 
you a poverty of speech, or should you 
find at any time a slender stock, I should 
entreat you to a good husbandry ; above 
all things avoid commonplaces, they are 
fulsome and ridiculous. 

If your genius leads you, and I hope it 
does, to affect a pleasantness of wit, this 

[ J 9°] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

will charm and win upon all companies. 
And let me tell you, that a story, and a fit 
well-chosen tale, well told, has affected 
that which a more serious and wise debate 
could never accomplish. The Spanish 
are singular in this kind, which renders 
them the best company in the world. 
And you have often heard me say, that it 
was the best music I ever heard in Spain. 
Their gravitv in the narration sets off a 
story exceedingly well; imitate it if it be 
possible, and if you can, get the apparel- 
ling the same tale in a various dress ; that 
if you should chance to tell the same 
again, either it will not be known in its 
disguise, or it may again please, because of 
its variety ; neither were it amiss if you 
sometimes seem to forget to show your 
dexterity that way. By no means affect 
scurrility, and whet not your wit on a dull 
adversary. It is no way generous to raise 



['9'] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

mirth or triumph over a fool, whom to 
overcome can be no victory, when the 
contention itself was dishonourable. If 
you meet with a proud, vain, self-con- 
ceited man, it may become you well to 
put such a one out of countenance, so it 
be done handsomely, and like a person of 
honour, for all men are well pleased to see 
a vain man well rallied. 

Be not dogmatical and peremptory in 
your opinion — it will be long before that 
become you ; but having spoken, as you 
think, reason, if it be not allowed of, 
speak it again, and leave it calmly to cen- 
sure. Be very careful of falling into pas- 
sion : for why should you be angry, that 
another is not able or willing to understand 
you. Let me tell you, it is the sign of a 
very feeble spirit not to be able to endure 
contradiction ; and therefore, if you have 
a mind to gain reputation upon any by 

[192] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

dispute, try if he can be moved : if he 
may be, then anger him, but without of- 
fence j you cannot wish for a greater 
advantage than his passion will give you ; 
for anger, in dispute, is like an unquiet 
horse in a dusty way, — it raises so much 
dust in the eyes of the understanding, that 
it blinds it, and puts it out. It will lay 
the enraged disputant so open, that you 
may hit him where you please, and he 
cannot put by one fallacy. Besides, many 
have overcome by suffering the enemy to 
beat himself out of breath. But if you 
would render yourself pleasing to any 
person you have a mind to oblige, propose 
then such a subject as you know he is 
very skilled in, most men being desirous 
and pleased to show their own excellency ; 
and you will not lose by it neither; for 
the experienced soldier shall tell you more 
of the art of war, and a well-practised 

L x 93] 



P R A C T I C A L \V ISDOM 

lawyer of a judged case in law, in half an 
hour, than all the books of both profes- 
sions teach you in a month, if, perhaps, at 
all. Again, if you have a desire to make 
a show of yourself, to discourse of that 
you are best known in, take heed of rush- 
ing or breaking in upon it ; it will appear 
pedantical, and discover an affectation 
which you should carefully avoid : the 
slight of this must be by degrees, ap- 
proaches, and goings about to steal upon 
the argument, and draw some of the com- 
pany insensibly to begin it. To shut up 
this particular, take notice, that some men 
are good at a short turn, or quick reply, 
who languish and are tired in a large dis- 
course : others are nothing quick at hand, 
but yet their strength of reason brings 
them up at last. Could you join these 
both together, and make them one ability, 
you would soon appear a great master of 

[ J 94] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

language. I could wish you had the skill 
to maintain paradoxes ; not to that pur- 
pose, as some cross humorous wits employ 
them, merely for contradiction and osten- 
tation, but for the sharpening and stretch- 
ing of your wit, which, if discreetly and 
modestly handled, they will afford a sharp 
tickling delight, set you off handsomely, 
and render you, to quick apprehensions, 
very acceptable. If to these you add 
modesty of countenance and speech, in 
one of your birth and parts they will ren- 
der your conversation sweet and charm- 
ing. Therefore fail not, upon occasion, 
to be master of a great modesty ; but 
withal know when to be high ; and when 
you show it, let it be with gentle temper, in 
a sweet and well-commanded spirit. So 
that now, you being thus fitted with comely 
presence, and furnished with good language, 
sufficiency, and dexterity of discourse : 

[195] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Employment. — I will now oversee 
your employment, which at present is 
your study ; and I shall be less careful 
herein, upon a presumption of your tutor's 
care and sufficiency in the kind hath pre- 
vented me ; however, I shall tell you what 
I have heard a very learned man to speak 
concerning books and the true use of them. 

You are to come to your study as to 
the table, with a sharp appetite, whereby 
that which you read may the better digest. 
He that has no stomach to his book will 
very hardly thrive upon it. 

And because the rules of study do so 
exactly agree with those of the table, when 
you are from your tutor, take care that 
what you read be wholesome, and but suf- 
ficient. Not how much, but how good, is 
the best diet. Sometimes, for variety, and 
to refresh and please the palate of your 
understanding, you may read something 

[196] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

that is choice and delicate ; but make no 
meal thereon. You may be allowed also 
the music of poetry, so it be clear, chaste, 
and not effeminate. 

After you have read a little, make a 
stand upon it, and take not more in, nor 
that down, till it be well chewed and ex- 
amined. Go not to another thing until 
the first be understood in some measure. 
If any thing stick with you, note down 
your doubts in a book for the purpose, and 
rest not till you be satisfied, then write 
that down too. 

In your reading, use often to invert and 
apply that which you observe applicable 
to some purpose : and if this change be a 
robbery, God help late writers. Sure I 
am, nothing to my reason appears more 
effectual to raise your invention and enrich 
your understanding. 

After reading, remember, as from the 

E'97] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

table, so you rise from your book, with an 
appetite ; and being up, disturb not the 
concoction, which is infinitely improved 
by a rumination or chewing of the cud. 
To this end, recollection with yourself 
will do well, but a repetition with another 
far better; for thereby you will get a 
habit of readily expressing yourself, which 
is a singular advantage to learning; and 
by the very discoursing of what you learn, 
you again teach yourself: besides, some- 
thing new, and of your own, must of ne- 
cessity stream in. 

For your choice of your books, be ad- 
vised by your tutor ; but, by my consent, 
you should not have above one or two at 
the most in every science, but those very 
choice ones. I will commend one book 
to you, — we begin with it when we are 
boys, yet it will become the oldest and 
gravest man's hand, — it is Tully's Offices ; 

[i 9 8] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

a most wise and useful book, where you 
shall have excellent philosophy excellently 
dressed. And those that are skilful in 
the language say, that the whole Latin 
tongue is there with all its purity and 
propriety. 

For the more orderly managing of your 
study, I would have you divide the day 
into several employments. Great and 
wise persons have given you the example. 
If you will have me dispose your time for 
you, I shall proportion it into three oc- 
taves : eight hours of which for sleep, 
comprehending dressing and undressing; 
eight hours for devotion, food and recrea- 
tion, in which I comprehend visits and 
your attendance upon me ; the other 
octave, give it constantly to your studies, 
unless business or like accident interrupt, 
which, if it shall, you must either recom- 
pense by the succeeding day's diligence, 

[ J 99] 



P R A CT1CAL W1SDU M 

or borrow from | Hut by 

no means cntrc n \"ur hours of 

I would ) >>or- 

' tic and frequent offices, to 

:m the spirits and pre .irisomc- 

nciv ours also of 

iter- 

the less. 

■ 

ment — nothing mutt hinder you fi 

withdraw :, and a good man 

makes any place But he | 

no inciijHUcetii humouring 

Ice a breach up* daily 

e\er piety — nothing but 

I an dispr 

• 
but DC ashanu.: reproved for the 

fault tH 

[ 200 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

Be constant in your course of study; 
and although you proceed slowly, yet go 
on in your path; assiduity will make 
amends at last. He that can but creep, 
if he keeps his way, will sooner come to 
his journey's end, than he that rides post 
out of it. 

Endeavour at the highest perfection, not 
only at vour studies, but in whatsoever 
you attempt : Strive to excel in every- 
thing, and you may perform many things 
worthy o\ praise, nothing meanly. He 
that aims further than he can shoot, and 
draws with his utmost strength, will hardly 
shoot short, at least deserves not to be 
blamed for short shooting. 

Avoid night studies, if you will preserve 
your wit and health. 

Whether thou dost read or hear any 
thing — indeed whatsoever you do — intend 
what thou art about, and let not thy mind 



[2C] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

wander, but compel it to be fixed and 
present. If any other thought comes 
across thee in thy study, keep it off, and 
refer it to some other time : this wander- 
ing of your spirit you know I have often 
reproved, therefore, whatsoever you do, do 
it, and nothing else. 

Suffer not thy memory to rest ; she 
loves exercise, and grows with it ; every 
day commend something notable to her 
custody ; the more she receives, the better 
she keeps ; and when you have trusted 
any thing to her care, let it rest with her 
awhile, then call for it again, especially if 
it be a fault corrected. You must not err 
twice ; and by this frequent calling her to 
account, she will be always ready to give 
you satisfaction ; and the sooner, if what 
she was entrusted with was laid up orderly, 
and put, as it were, in the several boxes 
of a cabinet. 

[202 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

If thou wouldst seem learned, the best 
way is to endeavour to be learned ; for if 
thou dost not strive to be that which thou 
desirest to be, thou desirest to no purpose, 
which gives me occasion to recommend 
this following advice to your especial 
regard. 

It is an extreme vanity to hope to be a 
scholar, and yet to be unwilling to take 
pains : for what excellent thing is there 
that is easily composed ? Its very diffi- 
culty doth imply, and, as it were, doth 
invite us to something worthy and rare. 
Consider it is a rose that thorns do com- 
pass ; and the forbidden object sharpens 
the desire in all other things. Thus a 
difficult mistress makes a lover more pas- 
sionate ; and that same man hates an 
offered and a prostitute love. I dare say, 
if learning were easy and cheap, thou 
wouldst as much slight her; and, indeed, 

[203] 



P R A C T ICAL W I S I) C) M 

who would have any thing common with 
a carter or a cobbler ? Something there 
is, doubtless, in it, that none but noble and 
unwearied spirits can attain her; and these 
are raised higher, and heightened by its 
difficulty, and would not gain her other- 
wise. Something there is in it, that no 
money or jewels can buy her. No, noth- 
ing can purchase learning but thy own 
sweat : obtain her, if thou canst, any other 
way. Not all my estate can buy thee the 
faculty of making but one quick epigram 
— the trifling part of her; wherefore I 
entreat thee, to raise thy spirit, and stretch 
thy resolution. And so often as thou 
goest to thy book, place before thy eyes 
what crowns, sceptres, mitres, and other 
ensigns of honour, learning hath conferred 
upon those that have courted her with 
labour and diligence ; besides the rare 
pleasure of satisfaction, which, of itself, is 

[204] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

an honourable reward. And let me tell 
thee, a learned holy man (and such a one 
would I fain have thee to be) looks like 
an angel in flesh — a mortal cherubim. 
And because letters are great discoverers 
of the man, therefore, when you write, let 
your style be genteel, clean, round, even, 
and plain, unless the subject or matter re- 
quire a more manly and vigorous expres- 
sion. I cannot allow you a curiosity, 
unless it be like a lady's dress, negligently 
neat. Go not to counsel for every word, 
yet neglect not to choose. Be more care- 
ful to think before you write than before 
you speak ; because letters pass not away 
as words do ; they remain upon record, 
are still under the examination of the eye, 
and tortured they are, sometimes, to con- 
fess that of which they were never guilty. 
That is rare, indeed, that can endure read- 
ing. Understand the person well to whom 

[205] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

you write. If he be your inferior or 
equal, you may give your pen the more 
liberty, and play with it sometimes; but if 
to your superior, then regard is to be had 
to your interest with him, his leisure, and 
capacity ; all which will be so many 
caveats, and instructions to the humility, 
neatness, and brevity of your style. You 
shall do well if, like a skilful painter, you 
draw your sense, and the proportions of 
your business, in a plain draft first, and 
then give it colour, heightening, and beauty 
afterwards ; and, if it be duly considered, 
it is no such great commendation to be 
praised for penning a letter without making 
a blot, not in my judgment : therefore, 
after you have pondered and penned, then 
examine and correct. A negligent manner 
of writing, methinks, is a kind of an 
affront and a challenge, not a letter, to a 
person of distinction. Avoid all rough- 

[206] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

ness, swelling, poverty, and looseness in 
your style; let it be rather riotous than 
niggardly. The flowing pen may be 
helped, but the dry never. Especially 
shun obscurity, because it must go a-beg- 
ging for an interpreter : and why should 
you write to entreat him to understand 
you if he can. Be this your general rule, 
both in your writing and speaking, — 
labour for sense, rather than words ; and 
for your book, take this also, study men 
and things. 

Perhaps you will expect, after all these 
instructions, I should commend unto you 
some copy or example to imitate. As for 
the Greek and Latin tongues, I leave it to 
your tutor's choice. In the English, I 
know no style I should sooner prefer to 
your imitation, than that of Sir Francis 
Bacon, that excellent unhappy man. And 
to give you direction for all imitation in 

[207] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

general, as well as of his style in particu- 
lar, be careful so to imitate, as, by draw- 
ing forth the very spirits of the writer, you 
may, if possible, become himself. Imitate 
him, but do not mock him ; for the face 
of a bull, or a horse, is more comely, than 
that of an ape or a monkey, though the 
ape most resembles man, the most beauti- 
ful of all creatures : and, in that regard, 
your own genuine and natural style may 
show more comely than an imitation of 
Sir Francis Bacon, if it be not exactly 
done. I would have the imitator be as 
the son of the father, not the ape of a 
man ; that is, to put on the likeness of a 
child, not of an ape : for the ape only 
imitates the deformities and the ridiculous 
actions of man, the son represents all the 
graces of the face, gesture, and every- 
figure of his father ; and, in this repre- 
sentation, he hath something of himself 

[ 2o8 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

too. I shall add but one caution more, 
and that is this — as he can never run well 
who shall resolve to set his foot in the 
footsteps of one that went before, so 
neither shall any man write well, who pre- 
cisely and superstitiously ties himself to 
another's words. And with this liberty I 
wish you still happy. 

And such will all your studies be, if you 
constantly put in practice this my last 
admonition, which I reserved purposely 
for this place. It is, that you be careful 
every night, before you go to bed, to per- 
form your devotions, to withdraw yourself 
into your closet, or some private part of 
your chamber, and there call memory, 
your steward, to account what she has 
heard or read that day worthy of observa- 
tion ; what she hath laid up, what she 
spent; how the stock of knowledge im- 
proves, where and how she decays. A 

[209] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

notable advantage will this bring to your 
studies at present, and hereafter, if that 
way employed, to your estate. But if 
this course be strictly observed each night 
between God and your soul, there will the 
true advantage appear. Fail not, therefore, 
what employment soever you have, every 
night, as in the presence of God and his 
holy angels, to pass an inquisition on your 
soul what ill it hath done, what good it 
hath left undone ; what slips, what falls it 
hath had that day ; what temptation hath 
prevailed upon it ; and by what means, or 
after what manner. Ransack every cor- 
ner of thy dark heart, and let not the least 
peccadillo, or kindness to a sin, lurk there, 
but bring it forth, bewail it, protest against 
it, detest it, and scourge it by a severe 
sorrow. Thus each day's breach between 
God and your soul being made up, with 
more quiet and sweet hope thou mayest 

[210] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

dispose thyself to rest. Certainly, at last, 
this inquisition, if steadily pursued, will 
vanquish all customary sins, whatever they 
be. I speak it upon this reason, because 
I presume thou wilt not have the face to 
appear before God every night confessing 
the same offence ; and thou wilt forbear 
it, lest thou mayest seem to mock God, or 
despise him, which is dreadful but to 
imagine. This finished, for a delightful 
close to the whole business of the day, 
cause your servant to read something that 
is excellently written or done, to lay you 
to sleep with it, that, if it may be, even 
your dreams may be profitable or learned. 
This you will find, by your own experi- 
ence, true, that things will appear more 
naked to the eye of the soul, when the eye 
of the body is shut ; which, together with 
the quiet of the night, that time is rendered 
a most fit season for contemplation and 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

contrivance. As a great advantage, not 
only to your book, but health and business 
also, I cannot but advise and enjoin you 
to accustom yourself to rise early; for, 
take it from me, no lover of his bed did 
ever yet form great and noble things. 
Now, though I allowed eight hours for 
your bed, with the preparation to it and 
from it, yet this was rather to point out 
the utmost limits beyond which you should 
not go, rather than to oblige you to ob- 
serve such a proportion exactly. Borrow, 
therefore, of these golden morning flowers, 
and bestow them on your book. A noble 
person, of all others, has need of learning, 
and therefore should contribute most time 
to it ; for, besides that it gilds his honour, 
and sets ofF his birth, it becomes his em* 
ployment, which a nobleman, of all others, 
must not want, if he will secure his soul, 
honour, and estate, all which are in most 

[ 2I2 ] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

certain danger from idleness, the rock of 
nobility, considering the plenty of his 
table, and society, with all sorts of tempta- 
tion ; if, therefore, he be a hard student, 
he is not at leisure to be vicious ; the devil 
knows it is to no purpose to tempt a busy 
man ; be always, therefore, employed ; 
and because some are triflingly active, that 
you may not with them be idly busy, your 
book will instruct you how. Did you but 
hear the complaints of excellent person- 
ages, for missing of that opportunity which 
you are now master of; or could you b&C 
suppose yourself old and ignorant, how 
tender would you be of the loss of one 
minute, what would you not give to return 
to these years you now enjoy ? Let this 
consideration sink deep and settle in you. 
Be more curious of the expense of your 
time than of your gold : time being a jewel 
whose worth is invaluable, whose loss is 

L 2I 3] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

irreparable ; therefore secure the present 
time, that you may not hereafter lose more 
by a vain bewailing of the past. Now, 
because the best of learning is to study 
yourself, and I have reason to believe I 
have some skill in you, having so curiously 
observed your nature and inclination, I 
shall make some useful discourse in order 
to this knowledge, by which you may 
both see your defects and amend them. 

Yourself. — The most profitable and 
necessary knowledge in the world is to 
know and study thyself; wherefore, with 
all the plainness, sincerity, and observation 
you can make in your best temper of mind 
and body, lay yourself open to yourself; 
take an impartial survey of all your abili- 
ties and weaknesses, and spare not to ex- 
pose them to your eye by writing, which I 
conceive is the best done by framing your 
own character, and so to draw the picture 

[«4] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

of your mind, which I recommend to your 
yearly practice during your life. This, if 
you flatter not yourself, will be your best 
looking-glass, and must needs have a sin- 
gular influence upon your religion, and 
serve your soul extremely well to very high 
purposes; for, by this means, your growth 
or decay in virtue will be discovered, and, 
consequently, ways for the increase of 
that growth, or for repairing those decays 
and breaches in the soul, will more readily 
be found out, and more easily cured. 
When you have found both your forces 
and infirmities, then look with one eye 
upon them, and with the other on the 
realms you live in, whereby, comparing 
yourself with the general state of affairs, 
you shall soon discern whether there may 
be a correspondency and compliance be- 
tween you and them, that you may there- 
upon either draw yourself within your 

[215] 



PRAC T ICAL WISDOM 

private walls, to enjoy the happiness of an 
holy, quiet, and innocent repose, in case 
the times are rough and dangerous to sail 
in ; or else, if calm and suitable, to engage 
yourself in some public employment, for 
the service of your country and advance- 
ment of your family : though, if I may 
guess at the future constitution of your 
mind by what I observe at present, were 
the times never so calm and inviting, you 
should not be easily enticed to embark 
yourself into the world or engage in busy 
and great employments. Your best course, 
in my judgment, were to say your prayers 
at home, manage your little affairs inno- 
cently and discreetly, and enjoy, with 
thankfulness, what God has bestowed 
upon me. But it may so happen that 
your inclinations may be active, and your 
parts correspondent, and that good fortune 
may find you out in your privacy, and 

[*i6] 



PRACTICAL WISDOM 

court you to employment, — if she does, 
refuse her not, but embrace her with these 
cautions : First, be sure to ballast yourself 
well, by calling in to your aid all the ad- 
vantages of learning, art and experience ; 
then consider to fit your sails to the bulk 
of your vessel, lest you prove a slug, or 
overset. And because commonwealths 
have their shelves and rocks, therefore get 
the skill of coasting and shifting your 
sails : I mean, to arrive at your journey's 
end by compassing and an honest com- 
pliance. Yet, if honesty be the star you 
sail by, doubt not of a good voyage, at 
least be sure of a good harbour. 



[2I 7 ] 




Deaodrfied usng the Bookkeeper proces* 

; agent Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date Dec 2004 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORID LCA0EP. IN CAPS* PRESE RVATIOM 
1 1 1 Thom*on Pa<* Orww 
Cr**efry Tw»ns»wp. PA 16066 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 







013 593 481 1 £ 



I 



